Trump’s Secret Plan: Overhauling Press Briefings as Leavitt Exits
Trump Weighs Rotating Cabinet Officials for Press Briefings After Leavitt’s Departure
Important Point: President Trump is considering having different Cabinet members take turns leading White House press briefings instead of quickly naming a new permanent press secretary.
What’s Happening?
President Donald Trump is not rushing to replace his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, who plans to leave her job at the end of August. Instead, he’s thinking about using a rotating group of Cabinet officials to handle press briefings for a while.
Why Is Trump Taking His Time?
He Genuinely Doesn’t Know Who to Pick
According to a senior White House official, the president "genuinely doesn’t know who to pick and has expressed zero urgency" on filling the position.
He Acts as His Own Spokesman
Trump frequently communicates directly with the public through:
- Truth Social posts (his social media platform)
- Phone interviews with reporters who call his personal cell phone
- Impromptu remarks to journalists
Because of this, some aides wonder if he even sees the need for a traditional press secretary.
Who’s Being Talked About?
Even though Trump isn’t in a hurry, his allies are actively campaigning for their favorites. Here are the names that have come up:
| Potential Candidate | Background |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth Pipko | Former model & Republican National Committee spokesperson |
| Alina Habba | Briefly served as acting US Attorney for DC; Trump’s personal lawyer |
| Scott Jennings | Former George W. Bush aide & outspoken Trump advocate |
| Anna Kelly | Current White House principal deputy press secretary |
| Tricia McLaughlin | Former Homeland Security spokeswoman |
Important Point: Roughly a dozen candidates are reportedly "in the mix," but Trump hasn’t signaled a clear favorite.
What Happened Last Time?
When Leavitt took maternity leave earlier this year, several high-profile officials stepped in temporarily:
- Marco Rubio — Secretary of State
- JD Vance — Vice President
- Dr. Mehmet Oz — Medicare and Medicaid chief
Their performances received mixed reviews, which may be why Trump is considering this approach again.
Why Might Candidates Be Hesitant?
Sources say some potential candidates have serious concerns about taking the job:
"It’s an insane job. It’s a thankless job. And now they’ll have to follow and be constantly compared to Karoline."
Three big challenges:
- Insane workload — all-hours availability, constant pressure
- Thankless role — criticism from all sides
- Tough act to follow — Leavitt is seen as highly effective and trusted by Trump
How Does This Fit the Big Picture?
Press Briefings Have Been Sporadic
Throughout Trump’s second term, the traditional daily press briefing schedule has been irregular. This isn’t a new pattern — it’s been the norm.
One Person Decides
White House officials note that all the outside lobbying ultimately doesn’t matter because only Trump makes the final choice.
Leavitt Stays Close
Even after leaving, Leavitt is expected to remain one of Trump’s closest advisers — she’s not disappearing from his inner circle.
Summary
- Karoline Leavitt leaves as press secretary end of August
- Trump isn’t rushing to replace her — "zero urgency"
- Rotating Cabinet officials may handle briefings temporarily
- ~12 candidates floated, but no clear favorite
- Trump acts as own spokesman via Truth Social & phone calls
- Job seen as "insane" and "thankless" — hard to fill
- Only Trump decides — outside lobbying may not sway him
FAQ
What does a White House press secretary actually do?
The press secretary is the main spokesperson for the president. They hold press briefings, answer reporters’ questions, explain White House policies, and manage communication between the president and the media.
Why would Trump use Cabinet officials instead of a press secretary?
Cabinet secretaries (like the Secretary of State or VP) already have deep knowledge of their specific areas. Using them rotates expertise to the podium — but they also have full-time jobs running major departments, making it a heavy extra burden.
Has this rotating approach been done before?
Yes. When Leavitt took maternity leave earlier this year, Rubio, Vance, and Dr. Oz all filled in. Semafor first reported that Trump is considering doing this again.
Why is the job considered "thankless"?
The press secretary faces daily grilling from reporters, criticism from both political parties, works extremely long hours, and must defend every presidential statement — even controversial ones — while maintaining credibility.
Does Trump need a press secretary?
Technically no — the position isn’t constitutionally required. Trump communicates directly via Truth Social and phone interviews. But a press secretary provides organized, daily communication that many see as important for government transparency.