Here’s who could replace White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt
President Donald trump announced that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will depart at the end of the month, prompting speculation about her potential successor. even though Trump has previously opted not to replace her during maternity leave, there are four unconfirmed candidates considered likely options. Thes include Anna Kelly, the White House principal deputy press secretary who has become more prominent in media appearances; Kingsley Wilson, the Department of War’s youngest press secretary with prior roles in Trump’s campaigns; Sean Parnell, a top public affairs adviser overseeing the War Department’s media relations; and Alina Habba, a former acting U.S.Attorney for New Jersey and Trump’s legal spokeswoman. Each candidate brings different backgrounds and experience, but no official decision has been announced yet.
President Donald Trump’s announcement that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is departing the administration at the end of the month has sparked speculation regarding a possible replacement.
Although Trump could decide to do something nontraditional and not replace Leavitt, as the White House did not replace her during her maternity leave this summer, here is a list of four possible, but unconfirmed, competitors for the role:
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Anna Kelly
White House principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly is Leavitt’s second in command.
Kelly, 29, has represented the White House increasingly on television and radio, particularly as her foreign policy communications portfolio has dominated news headlines.
Kelly, a former beauty queen, served as a spokeswoman for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign before joining the White House. She previously worked for the Republican National Committee and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI).
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Kingsley Wilson
Kingsley Wilson has served as the Department of War‘s press secretary since May 2025. She previously had stints at the Center for Renewing America, social media platform GETTR, and Trump’s 2020 campaign.
Wilson was the youngest War Department press secretary at the time of her appointment at the age of 26.
Her father is Steve Cortes, a former Trump adviser and 2016 and 2020 campaign spokesman.
Sean Parnell
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Pennsylvania Republican congressional candidate Sean Parnell poses for photos ahead of a campaign rally with President Donald Trump Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020 in Moon Township, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
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Sean Parnell, Wilson’s boss at the War Department, is War Secretary Pete Hegseth‘s top public affairs adviser.
The combat veteran and former congressional candidate has overseen the overhaul of the War Department’s relationship with reporters. The revamp hasn’t been without controversy, however, with Pentagon reporters claiming they’ve been compelled to sign agreements they will not publish classified information in exchange for access to the building.
Alina Habba
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Alina Habba is Trump’s former acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey. She was also the president’s counselor at the start of his second term. Before joining the administration, Habba was an assertive legal spokeswoman for Trump during his legal battles.
A one-time MAGA Inc. adviser, Habba is among the top bets on Kalshi’s prediction market as a possible replacement for Leavitt.
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