Karoline Leavitt Press Secretary Departure: The White House could soon have a familiar television face behind its briefing-room podium. During a Sunday interview with Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams, President Donald Trump unexpectedly suggested that the reporter could replace Karoline Leavitt, who plans to leave her position at the end of August to spend more time with family.
The exchange came days after Trump announced Leavitt’s departure and as the White House prepared for a change in its communication team. Instead of naming a successor, Trump turned the question toward McAdams and publicly suggested that she could take on the demanding role.
The moment also highlights Trump’s continued relationship with Fox News, whose personalities have increasingly moved from television into senior positions within his administration.
Donald Trump Live News: Trump Suggests Alexis McAdams Could Replace Leavitt
The conversation began when McAdams asked Trump whether Leavitt could be replaced.
“Is Karoline Leavitt replaceable?” McAdams asked the president.
“No, she’s not,” Trump replied. “She’s standing right over there, and she’s done a great job.”
Trump then discussed Leavitt’s decision to leave the White House and suggested that her family had become a bigger priority following the birth of her second child.
“She likes her children more than she likes Trump. I’m very concerned about that,” he said.
McAdams then asked Trump whether he had already identified someone to take over the position.
“You,” Trump responded, looking directly at the reporter. “How about you?”
Trump continued to praise McAdams and suggested that she could handle the position.
“She could do the job,” he continued. “What do you think, Karoline? I like it. I’ve always liked you. That’s why I’m doing this. I don’t do this that often.”
Trump’s remarks did not amount to a formal appointment, but they immediately put McAdams’ name into the discussion over Leavitt’s successor.
Who is Alexis McAdams?
Alexis McAdams joined Fox News in 2021 and works as a correspondent based in New York City.
She has covered breaking news and major political developments for the network. Her experience in television journalism would give her familiarity with live interviews, political coverage and the fast-paced nature of news reporting.
If Trump ultimately chose McAdams, she would become another television journalist to move into a prominent role in his administration.
Trump has previously selected Fox News personalities for senior government positions, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jeanine Pirro, who became U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Why is Karoline Leavitt Leaving?
Leavitt announced that she would leave her position at the end of August after returning from maternity leave.
Trump announced her departure on August 12 and described her as one of his most trusted aides. He said he understood her decision to spend more time with her children and family.
“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump also said Leavitt would continue working with him as an outside adviser.
Leavitt Explains Decision to Leave White House
Leavitt said her decision was driven by her desire to give more time and attention to her two young children.
She described her time working for Trump as a major part of her career.
“the honor and adventure of a lifetime.”
Leavitt then explained why she believed leaving the press secretary position was the right decision for her family.
“The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary,” she added.
Her decision means Trump must now find someone to take over one of the most visible communication positions in the White House.
Leavitt Was Youngest White House Press Secretary
Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in US history when she took the position at the age of 27 in January 2025.
During her tenure, she became one of the administration’s most recognisable public figures and regularly defended Trump’s policies during White House briefings.
Her departure therefore represents a significant change for Trump’s communications operation.
The next press secretary will have to manage daily interactions with the White House press corps while defending the administration’s policies on domestic and international issues.
Donald Trump Live News: Trump May Take Time to Choose Leavitt’s Replacement
Despite Trump’s comments about McAdams, the White House has not formally announced who will replace Leavitt.
The administration is expected to use a rotating group of senior officials to handle press briefings while Trump considers his options.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance are among the senior administration officials who could help handle communications duties during the transition.
The White House therefore has time to consider multiple candidates before making a permanent decision.
Fox News Personalities Continue to Move Into Trump’s Administration
Trump’s comments about McAdams also draw attention to the growing number of Fox News figures who have moved into government positions during his second term.
Hegseth moved from Fox News into the Pentagon, while Pirro also left television for a senior government role.
Trump’s decision to publicly suggest McAdams for the press secretary position fits that broader pattern.
Other names have also emerged in discussions about Leavitt’s replacement. Former Trump attorney Alina Habba has reportedly been mentioned as another possible contender, although Trump has not officially selected anyone.
What Happens Next?
Trump has not formally offered the press secretary position to McAdams, and the Fox News correspondent remains in her current role.
The White House is expected to continue considering potential candidates before Leavitt leaves at the end of August.
Whoever takes the position will inherit a high-profile role at a politically important time, with the Trump administration facing major foreign-policy challenges and the 2026 US midterm elections approaching.
For now, Trump’s unexpected suggestion has made Alexis McAdams one of the most talked-about names in the search for Karoline Leavitt’s replacement.
