President Donald Trump praised outgoing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as irreplaceable during a Monday interview, as speculation mounts over her successor.
Leavitt, 28, announced last week she would step down at month’s end to focus on her two young children. Trump told Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams that Leavitt had performed exceptionally in the role, joking that “she actually likes her children more than she likes Trump.”
What Happened
During the interview, McAdams asked Trump directly whether Leavitt was replaceable. “No, she’s not. She really isn’t,” Trump responded, noting that Leavitt was standing nearby.
President Trump:
I found out Karoline Leavitt likes her children more than she likes Trump, I’m very concerned about that. pic.twitter.com/VDJWjHKsZT
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) August 16, 2026
When pressed about potential successors, Trump joked with McAdams herself, suggesting she could take the position. He continued to praise Leavitt’s work ethic, saying “I’ve always liked you.”
The Succession Question
Trump was spotted at his Bedminster, New Jersey estate over the weekend with several inner-circle members, including Alina Habba, a former Trump legal team member. Habba’s presence at the gathering fueled speculation about whether she might replace Leavitt.
President Trump had a pretty chill weekend at his Bedminster, NJ club, dancing to the YMCA with Ivanka last night
Alina Habba was seated right behind him, amid rumors Habba could be tapped as the new press secretary 👀 pic.twitter.com/OopLbCVGnO
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 16, 2026
Habba, 42, served on Trump’s legal team during his New York civil fraud case. She was appointed acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey in March 2025 but stepped down in December after an appeals court ruled her appointment did not comply with federal requirements.
“But do not mistake compliance for surrender,” Habba wrote in a statement at the time. “This decision will not weaken the Justice Department, and it will not weaken me.”
What’s Next
Efforts to identify Leavitt’s replacement are expected to accelerate as Republicans prepare for November’s midterm elections. The successor search comes as the administration faces intensified campaign scheduling heading into the election cycle.
Habba founded her law firm, Habba, Madaio and Associates LLP, in 2020, with offices in Bedminster and New York. Her legal background and proximity to Trump have positioned her among those discussed for the role.
This story has been updated. CNN’s digital team contributed to this report.