Karoline Leavitt is leaving the West Wing, but she is not leaving President Donald Trump’s inner circle.
During her final official interview as White House press secretary Thursday, Leavitt revealed that Trump has privately sought her advice as he searches for the next person to take control of the White House podium.
“Of course, we’ve spoken about it,” Leavitt told “Fox & Friends.”
Leavitt declined to name her preferred candidate but confirmed that the opening has generated intense interest.
“There is no shortage of applications,” she said, adding that the decision ultimately belongs to Trump.
According to Leavitt, one qualification matters above all others: The president must be able to place his complete trust in whoever takes the job.
“The press secretary and the president — you spend a lot of time together,” Leavitt said. “It has to be someone he trusts fully.”
Leavitt also indicated that she hopes to remain involved in the selection process until Trump makes his final decision. Fox News reported that the president has yet to settle on a successor.
The White House is not expected to rush the decision. Administration officials told CBS News that senior Trump officials will rotate through the briefing room while the search continues.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has reportedly been reviewing potential replacements, but sources said there was no clear front-runner as of Wednesday. Leavitt’s communications team is expected to remain in place and report to White House Communications Director Steven Cheung.
Trump has publicly entertained several possibilities.
When reporters asked him about conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings last week, the president replied, “Scott Jennings is good.” Trump also jokingly floated longtime communications aide Margo Martin before marveling at the number of people seeking the job.
“I have never had so many job applications in my life,” Trump said, crediting Leavitt with making the position “very glamorous,” according to the New York Post.
Jennings, Martin and Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly have all been mentioned in speculation surrounding the position. Former Trump attorney Alina Habba, another name floated after Leavitt announced her departure, has publicly said she is not seeking the job.
Former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer told Fox News that he expects the president to select someone who already has a strong relationship with him and understands how he communicates.
That relationship was central to Leavitt’s own success. Trump senior political adviser James Blair recently praised her ability to understand the president and deliver his message, warning that her replacement will face a “critical” test as Republicans approach the midterm elections.
Leavitt is scheduled to conclude her tenure Friday after approximately 19 months as Trump’s chief spokesperson. She became the youngest White House press secretary in American history when she assumed the role at 27.
Trump announced her departure on Aug. 12, calling Leavitt “one of my most trusted aides” and “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office.” The president said she would remain one of his top outside advisers and an influential Republican voice heading into the midterms. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social.
Leavitt, who recently returned from maternity leave after welcoming her second child in May, said she made the “bittersweet” decision to step back so she could spend more time with her young family.
“It’s bitter because I’m leaving a job that I love so very much,” she told Fox News, describing Trump as both a boss and a friend.
After taking a short break, Leavitt plans to join the Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. super PAC and continue advising the president from outside the administration.
Her title may be changing, but her final interview made one thing clear: Trump is still listening to her as he decides who will speak for him next.
