Alina Habba pushed back on reports identifying her as a leading candidate to succeed departing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, saying she is “not in the running for any job” despite speculation surrounding several possible replacements.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Alina Habba is publicly dismissing reports that she is a frontrunner to become President Donald Trump’s next White House press secretary, even as betting markets and multiple media reports continue to identify the longtime Trump ally as a possible successor to Karoline Leavitt.
Trump announced Aug. 12 that Leavitt would leave her position as White House press secretary to spend more time with her young children, setting off speculation over who would become the administration’s next chief spokesperson.
Habba, who previously represented Trump as a defense attorney and later served as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, quickly emerged as one of the most frequently discussed possibilities.
The New York Post reported that Habba and Breitbart Washington Bureau Chief Matthew Boyle were among the prominent names being considered for the position.
Both have built reputations as aggressive defenders of Trump and frequent critics of his political opponents and major media organizations, making either selection likely to bring a combative approach to White House briefings.
Political prediction market Kalshi has also placed Habba among the favorites to take the job.
Habba, however, said the speculation does not reflect her understanding of the situation.
“Flattered by the Kalshi odds, but I’m not in the running for any job,” Habba wrote on X. “However, if I’m getting a new one, I’d love for one of these anonymous sources to let me know first.”
“Fake news remains the undefeated champ…well…until I come at them,” she added in the same public response.
Her denial has not ended speculation that Trump could ultimately ask her to take the position.
The Daily Beast has reported that Habba recently attended a dinner at Trump’s Bedminster golf property along with other individuals reportedly under consideration for the press secretary job.
The outlet’s coverage of the potential succession suggested that Habba could still accept the role if Trump personally offered it, despite her statement that she is not presently pursuing another position.
Habba’s close association with Trump and experience defending him publicly have helped fuel the speculation.
She became one of his most visible attorneys during major legal battles and later joined the administration as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey. Her television appearances and public statements have frequently placed her in the role of defending Trump against legal, political and media criticism.
Her profile has led some supporters to view her as a natural fit for a job centered on communicating the president’s agenda and responding to questions from the White House press corps.
She is not, however, the only name reportedly under consideration.
Other possible candidates include Taylor Budowich, who previously served as White House deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel; Katie Miller, a former aide to Elon Musk at the Department of Government Efficiency and wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller; Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly; and U.S. Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley.
CNN commentator Scott Jennings, a conservative political analyst, has also reportedly been discussed as a possible candidate.
The eventual selection would follow Leavitt’s departure after serving as one of the administration’s most prominent public-facing officials.
Leavitt became known for forceful exchanges with reporters and for aggressively defending Trump’s policies during White House briefings.
Habba’s own public style has prompted comparisons, but her latest statement makes clear that, at least for now, she does not consider herself an active candidate.
Her response leaves the succession question unresolved as Trump weighs who will take over one of the most visible communications positions in the administration.
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