Donald Trump has floated the name of a Fox News correspondent as a potential replacement for Karoline Leavitt. The president suggested this during an interview when asked who might take over the White House press secretary role after Leavitt steps down at the end of August.
Alexis McAdams emerged as a possible Karoline Leavitt successor after interviewing Donald Trump for Fox News
Trump first defended Leavitt, calling her difficult to replace. He then shifted the conversation toward the journalist conducting the interview. “You?” Trump asked Alexis McAdams. He followed up with, “How about you?” before adding, “I’ve always liked you.” Trump said she could handle the job.
The exchange happened while Leavitt stood nearby. Trump asked for her reaction to the suggestion, then continued praising the correspondent’s work. The president has not announced a formal replacement for Leavitt, and his offhand remark did create a new name in the running for one of the White House’s most visible roles.
Karoline Leavitt announced earlier this week that she would leave her post at the end of August. She cited family reasons, saying she wanted to devote more time to her two young children. The former White House press secretary gave birth to her second child on May 1 and returned to the podium on July 16 after maternity leave. Trump has supported her decision and said she would remain a top outside adviser.
Moreover, Trump’s choice of Alexis McAdams came as planning for Leavitt’s departure remains fluid. According to CNN, the president is weighing whether to rely on rotating Cabinet officials to handle press briefings for an indefinite period. Three sources familiar with the discussions claimed Trump has shown little urgency in filling the position.
Several allies have pushed their preferred candidates. Names floated include Alina Habba, former George W. Bush aide Scott Jennings, White House principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, and former Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. Elizabeth Pipko, a Republican National Committee spokesperson, has also drawn support.
