Trump Might Pick Who For Press Secretary?

Alina Habba Responds to Speculation Over Trump Press Secretary Role

Speculation is growing over who could take over as President Donald Trump’s next press secretary, but one name that briefly surged in prediction markets is now pushing back on the idea.

Alina Habba, a longtime Trump ally and former interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, said Wednesday that she is not being considered for the position, despite traders giving her a significant chance of replacing outgoing press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

At one point Wednesday, prediction market Kalshi showed Habba with roughly a 36 percent probability of becoming Trump’s next press secretary. The odds put her ahead of several other potential names as attention turned toward the White House communications team and who might step behind the podium next.

Habba addressed the speculation directly on X, saying she was “flattered” by the odds but was not pursuing the job. She also appeared to take a shot at the anonymous sourcing behind reports about the possible shake-up, joking that she would appreciate being told about any new position before reading about it elsewhere.

Her comments came shortly after news that Leavitt is expected to leave the press secretary position at the end of August, creating an opening in one of the most visible jobs inside the Trump administration.

Habba has been a prominent figure in Trump’s orbit for years. She previously represented Trump as a personal attorney and legal spokesperson before serving as interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey. She later returned to the White House as a presidential counselor, keeping her closely connected to the administration.

Following the announcement about Leavitt’s departure, Habba had already hinted at the intensity surrounding whoever takes over the podium. She said the next person in the role would need to be prepared to “come ready for a fight.”

For now, Habba says she is not in the running. But with Leavitt’s departure approaching, the question of who will inherit the White House podium remains open—and the speculation is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.