Did President Donald Trump just give away the identity of Karoline Leavitt’s replacement as White House press secretary?
During an interview with Alexis McAdams of Fox News, the journalist asked the president: “Is there somebody you have in mind that you’d like to see up at the podium to take over?”
Trump responded: “You! How about you?”
With Leavitt standing off-camera, Trump pointed to McAdams and said, “She could do the job. I think so. What do you think, Karoline? I like it. I’ve always liked you, that’s why I’m doing this.”
“You have done a great job,” the president continued.
Trump was initially asked by McAdams if Leavitt were replaceable, and he replied: “No she’s not. She really isn’t.”
“She’s done a great job. I found out she likes her children more than she likes Trump. I’m very concerned about that.”
WATCH:
President Trump tells me @karolineleavitt is NOT replaceable as press secretary. pic.twitter.com/lO3wyxCONs
— Alexis McAdams (@AlexisMcAdamsTV) August 16, 2026
McAdams had plenty of high-profile, on-air exposure covering the assassination attempt against Trump when he was struck by a bullet while campaigning for his second term in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024.
Former President Trump was shot on stage during a rally in Butler PA. We were standing in the media area & heard what sounded like fireworks.
Then, we saw people drop to the ground for cover.
The former president was down on the ground until police yelled out shooter down.… pic.twitter.com/By7Ovrr4tA
— Alexis McAdams (@AlexisMcAdamsTV) July 14, 2024
Back in Butler, PA, one year after President Trump was nearly assassinated and Corey Comperatore was killed.
After months of silence Corey’s family tells me she is finally getting some answers about what happened that day.
She will meet with the Secret Service director soon.… pic.twitter.com/hJ8bT8nBQa
— Alexis McAdams (@AlexisMcAdamsTV) July 11, 2025
If McAdams is indeed being considered for press secretary, she faces competition from a large amount of names being floated for the job.
Potential candidates feature Anna Kelly, principal deputy press secretary at the White House, who has been the leader on the live-betting site Kalshi regarding possible successors.
Just behind Kelly on Kalshi are Alina Habba, former acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, and Scott Jennings, a pro-Trump CNN analyst who is a former aide to President George W. Bush.
Other possibilities include:
Tricia McLaughlin, former Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary;
Steven Cheung, White House communications director;
Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center and who served as deputy communications director during Trump’s first term;
Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff;
Katie Miller, podcaster and wife of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller;
Elizabeth Pipko, former model and Republican National Committee spokesperson;
Monica Crowley, U.S. chief of protocol and former Fox News analyst;
Lara Trump, Fox News host and daughter-in-law of President Trump;
Jason Miller, senior adviser for Trump’s 2024 White House campaign;
Harrison Fields, former principal deputy press secretary;
Sage Steele, former ESPN anchor;
Rachel Campos-Duffy, Fox News weekend anchor;
Spencer Pratt, former reality TV star and candidate for Los Angeles mayor.
“There will be plenty of people who try to drum up noise,” Erin Maguire, a Republican strategist and spokeswoman for Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign, told CNN.
“If anybody seems too eager or like they’re pushing too much, that could turn the president off.”
As WorldNetDaily reported, Leavitt announced last week she would step down from her position at the end of August, saying: “Being a mother and welcoming a new baby while working in one of the most demanding jobs in the world has been the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life, to say the least.
On May 1st, Viviana aka “Vivi” joined our family, and our hearts instantly exploded with love. 💕
She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister. We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble.
Thank you to… pic.twitter.com/wM1P1zEGsa
— Karoline Leavitt (@karolineleavitt) May 7, 2026
“The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary – and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life.”
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‘Phenomenal’: Karoline Leavitt quitting role as White House press secretary
