Leavitt Exits; Trump Still Has No Replacement
Leavitt Exits; Trump Still Has No Replacement
The News
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is out — and President Trump has not picked anyone to replace her.
Two sources told reporters no front-runners have emerged in the search as of her final day.
Until a successor is named, top administration officials will rotate through the briefings rather than press staff. Leavitt's full press team stays in place, reporting to Communications Director Steven Cheung.
Leavitt confirmed Thursday that Trump has "definitely a list" of candidates.
Who Is Actually in the Running
Katie Miller, wife of Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, has been floated as a candidate.
Scott Jennings has also been floated, but is described as unlikely to be the final pick. Wiles met Jennings at a Washington steakhouse as part of the informal vetting.
Alina Habba took herself out of it publicly, writing that she is "not in the running for any job."
None of these are picks. They are names in circulation.
Timeline
Leavitt takes questions on her final full day in the job, calling the exit "very bittersweet" and telling reporters, "I'll miss you guys." She describes the role as "the adventure of a lifetime."
She confirms Trump has a list of replacement candidates but names no successor.
CNN and Mediaite report ABC's "The View" has invited Leavitt to appear as a guest. The Daily Mail reports talks over the appearance.
Reactions
Right-leaning coverage has centered on the farewell and Leavitt's continuing advisory role with Trump. Left-leaning coverage has centered on the unfilled job and the absence of a clear successor.
The Independent's White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg argued the job may be close to unfillable, writing that Trump's youngest-ever press secretary succeeded because she could handle every part of the role and her successor may not have that skill set.
New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman said "most" of Trump's staff wants to leave, telling an interviewer, "It's not a happy White House."
What's Next
Trump still has to name a permanent press secretary. Until then, the briefing room runs on rotating senior officials.
Leavitt, who says she is leaving to focus on family, joins MAGA Inc. and will advise Trump through the midterm elections.
Two open questions: how long the rotating-official arrangement lasts, and whether Trump promotes from inside the existing press shop or brings in an outside figure.
More
The vacancy lands at a tense moment inside the building, with the Iran war grinding on and Republicans facing a difficult midterm map — the backdrop for Haberman's claim about staff wanting out.
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