Karoline Leavitt is leaving the White House podium, but before departing one of Washington’s most visible jobs, she privately gave President Donald Trump some important advice about the person who should replace her.
And according to Leavitt, there is one qualification Trump should put above virtually everything else.
His next White House press secretary needs to be someone he can fully trust.
Leavitt revealed Thursday that she has personally discussed the search for her successor with Trump as interest grows over who will become the administration’s next public face.
“Of course, we’ve spoken about it,” Leavitt said during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.”
While she declined to reveal the names under consideration, Leavitt confirmed that she has offered Trump her advice about the decision.
“There is no shortage of applications,” Leavitt said, explaining that plenty of capable people are interested in the high-profile White House position.
But after nearly 20 months spent defending Trump’s policies, answering reporters’ questions and communicating the president’s agenda to the American public, Leavitt believes one characteristic is absolutely essential.
Leavitt’s Message To Trump: Trust Comes First
Being White House press secretary is unlike most communications jobs.
The press secretary works closely with the president, senior administration officials and the White House communications team while facing daily scrutiny from national news organizations.
That means the president must have confidence that the person standing behind the podium understands both his policies and his message.
For Leavitt, that relationship of trust appears to be the deciding factor.
“Ultimately, it has to be his decision to make,” Leavitt said.
She noted that the president and press secretary spend considerable time working together, making the personal relationship between them particularly important.
“It has to be someone he trusts fully,” she said.
Leavitt added that she believes Trump will make the right decision at the appropriate time.
She also left open the possibility that she will continue helping him evaluate candidates if the president wants her advice.
Trump Faces A Major Decision
Choosing a new White House press secretary would be significant under any circumstances, but the timing could make Trump’s decision especially consequential.
The administration is moving closer to the midterm elections, when control of Congress and the direction of Trump’s agenda will be major issues before voters.
The next press secretary will be responsible for explaining White House policies on the economy, immigration, national security, taxes, government spending and other issues affecting millions of American families.
The person will also have to deal with a national press corps that frequently challenges the administration.
For conservative voters who have long complained about what they see as liberal bias in major media organizations, the White House briefing room has become another important political battleground.
Leavitt established a reputation for forcefully defending Trump and challenging reporters when she believed their questions or coverage were unfair.
Her successor will face pressure to do the same while maintaining the discipline necessary to communicate complicated administration policies clearly.
Who Will Replace Karoline Leavitt?
For now, the answer remains uncertain.
Leavitt confirmed that there are numerous people interested in taking the position, but she did not publicly endorse a particular candidate.
That leaves Trump with a potentially lengthy list to consider.
The job requires more than being comfortable on television.
A successful press secretary must stay informed about developments throughout the federal government, prepare for difficult questions, coordinate with senior White House officials and respond quickly when unexpected events occur.
The position can also require long hours and near-constant availability.
That demanding schedule played a role in Leavitt’s own decision to leave.
Why Karoline Leavitt Is Leaving The White House
Leavitt described her departure as “bittersweet” as she prepares to spend more time with her two young children.
She made clear that she still loves the job and remains strongly supportive of Trump.
Leavitt called serving as Trump’s White House spokesperson an honor and described her experience representing the administration as “the adventure of a lifetime.”
Her comments also provided a glimpse into the personal demands that come with serving in such a senior White House position.
A press secretary must be ready to respond to major political developments, breaking news and presidential decisions at virtually any time.
For a parent of young children, those responsibilities can be especially difficult to balance.
Leavitt said Trump was understanding of her decision and described him as both a boss and a friend.
Leavitt Isn’t Completely Leaving Trump’s Team
Although Leavitt is stepping away from her official White House position, she is not necessarily leaving Trump’s political orbit.
Trump has said she will continue serving as an outside adviser.
That could allow Leavitt to remain influential without carrying the daily responsibilities of the White House press secretary’s office.
It could also mean her advice remains valuable as Trump prepares for the next phase of his presidency and Republicans focus increasingly on the midterm elections.
Her experience could be particularly useful when the president ultimately selects her replacement.
What Leavitt Learned From Speaking For Trump
Leavitt’s comments highlight something that has distinguished Trump’s approach to presidential communications.
Unlike presidents who largely rely on aides to deliver their public message, Trump frequently speaks directly to reporters, supporters and voters.
That can make the press secretary’s job unusual.
The person behind the podium must be prepared to explain administration policy while also keeping pace with a president who regularly generates news himself.
Leavitt made a similar point during her final day at the White House, describing Trump as his own best spokesperson.
That means Trump’s next press secretary will need to understand when to take the lead and when to allow the president to deliver his message directly.
The Stakes Are Growing Ahead Of The Midterms
Trump’s eventual choice will arrive as Republicans prepare for an important election season.
Midterm elections traditionally create challenges for the party controlling the White House, putting additional attention on the administration’s ability to communicate its accomplishments and priorities to voters.
Economic concerns, border security, foreign policy, government spending and public safety could all play prominent roles in the national political debate.
Trump’s next press secretary will therefore inherit far more than a podium.
The new spokesperson will become one of the most recognizable representatives of the administration at a time when both Republicans and Democrats are fighting to shape the political narrative heading into the elections.
Leavitt Leaves Trump With One Crucial Piece Of Advice
Leavitt isn’t publicly revealing whom she believes Trump should select.
But she has made the most important qualification clear.
The president needs someone he trusts.
That may sound simple, but the White House press secretary regularly speaks on behalf of the most powerful elected official in the country. Miscommunication can quickly become national news, while an effective spokesperson can help an administration explain its policies directly to the American people.
Trump now faces the task of finding someone capable of handling that responsibility.
There may be plenty of applicants.
But if Leavitt’s private advice carries weight, Trump’s final decision could ultimately come down to a much smaller circle of people who have earned his complete confidence.
And with the midterm elections drawing closer, Americans may not have to wait long to learn who will be standing behind the White House podium next.