Trump's White House Press Secretary Vacancy Shifts After Alina Habba Declines Consideration
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Alina Habba said she is not seeking the White House press secretary role, moving attention to other potential candidates as Karoline Leavitt prepares to leave the post.
Alina Habba, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, posted on X on Aug. 19 that she is not a candidate for the White House press secretary position that will be vacated by Karoline Leavitt at the end of the month. \"Flattered by the Kalshi odds, but I’m not in the running for any job,\" Habba wrote, adding that she would like to be informed by any anonymous source if a new opportunity arose.
Habba's statement altered the dynamics of the search, shifting focus to other names that have risen in prediction markets. CNN political commentator Scott Jennings now leads the odds, followed by deputy press secretary Anna Kelly and longtime Trump aide Natalie Harp.
Jennings, who declined to comment on his candidacy during a live Q&A with Abby Phillip, said, \"Well, I don't have any comment about that, but it's an important job.\" He did not answer directly when asked whether he would accept the role if offered.
Leavitt announced her resignation on Aug. 12, citing a desire to spend more time with family. President Trump praised her in a Truth Social post, calling her one of his most trusted aides and a notable press secretary. Leavitt, who became the youngest person to hold the post at age 27, is expected to remain an adviser within the Republican Party.
The White House press secretary serves as the administration's chief spokesperson, conducting briefings, conveying policy positions and handling media inquiries.