Karoline Leavitts possible successors emerge after WH press secretarys surprise departure
WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s Wednesday announcement that she’s leaving her role stunned many insiders — who immediately began buzzing about who might replace her behind the briefing room lectern.Journalists widely regarded Leavitt, 28, as an effective spokesperson for President Trump, whose policies she championed with crisp delivery and conviction.She used her most visible forum to frequently dispense news items in a welcome change of pace from her Biden-era predecessor.The New Hampshire native seemed so steady in the role that many thought she could serve throughout Trump’s second term — making her decision to step away spark intrigue into the US government’s next top spokesperson.Leavitt cited an interest in spending more time raising her two young children — including Niko, 2, and three-month-old Vivi — and is expected to remain a close adviser to the president.Trump wrote in a statement that Leavitt was among his “most trusted aides” and was “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office.”Sources within and close to the administration told The Post that early front-runners for the role are believed to include Alina Habba, the former acting US attorney for New Jersey, and Breitbart Washington Bureau Chief Matthew Boyle.Habba gained fame as one of Trump’s defense lawyers, giving passionate televised appeals on his behalf to journalists before his return to power.
She briefly worked in the West Wing last year as a counselor to the president before Trump appointed her the top prosecutor in New Jersey.In addition to having significant experience as a Trump spokesperson and a polished look, her selection would follow Trump’s first-term pick of another attorney, Kayleigh McEnany, as press secretary.McEnany was regarded as successful in defending Trump and presenting his policies.Boyle, meanwhile, is a favorite among well-connected Trump allies who recognize the dogged Breitbart...