PoliticsInsiders Reveal How Karoline Leavitt’s Exit Puts Donald Trump in 'Awkward Bind'
Donald Trump has not yet selected a replacement for White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, leaving him in an 'awkward bind.'
Aug. 27 2026, Published 2:08 p.m. ET
President Donald Trump has not yet selected a replacement for White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, whose final day is Thursday, August 27, leaving him in what insiders have called "an awkward bind."
According to a CBS News report, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is actively reviewing candidates, but the administration currently operates with no clear front-runners or designated successor.
To handle the transition, the White House is implementing a temporary system for the briefing room, similar to the one used when Leavitt was on maternity leave.
Karoline Leavitt is stepping down to focus on raising her two young children.
Responsibilities for holding press briefings will temporarily rotate among top administration officials rather than permanent communications staff.
Leavitt’s remaining press team will stay in place and report directly to White House Communications Director Steven Cheung.
While no favorite has emerged, several names have been highlighted in internal discussions and public speculation.
Could Natalie Harp Get the Job?
The POTUS joked his aide Natalie Harp could take on the press secretary role.
Trump remarked on the overwhelming interest in replacing Leavitt, stating, "I have never had so many job applications in my life."
Highlighting the high-profile nature of the role, Trump noted, "They all want that job, they love that job."
The POTUS reportedly joked to advisers that he might tap his ubiquitous executive assistant, Natalie Harp, to become the next White House Press Secretary.
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- Donald Trump Repeatedly Called Karoline Leavitt Asking When She Would Be Back From Brief Maternity Leave Before Her Resignation, Insiders Claim
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Who's in the Running to Replace Karoline Leavitt?
Natalie Harp is known for often traveling alongside the POTUS.
According to reports from CNN and The Independent, Trump made the lighthearted remark to advisers after Harp entered the media spotlight.
The 35-year-old former right-wing TV host manages his information intake, often traveling with him to hand-deliver printed, positive-only news articles and social media updates. \Jokes aside, others are actually in the running.
Conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings and Katie Miller (wife of Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller) have been discussed. Trump publicly remarked Jennings "is good," though officials noted he is unlikely to be the final choice.
Scott Jennings and Katie Miller are in the running to take over Karoline Leavitt's job.
Cheung, Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly and communications advisor Margo Martin are also under consideration.
Karoline, 29, who made history as the youngest White House press secretary, announced her bittersweet departure earlier this month to focus on her young family. She is transitioning back to the Trump-aligned super PAC MAGA Inc. and will remain a prominent outside adviser to the president ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
The president himself posted an AI-generated photo on social media saying he would be “The Best Press Secretary.”
At a recent event, the POTUS joked he was "very angry" because he "just learned she loves the baby more than she loves Donald Trump."
