President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself addressing the White House press corps on Thursday, captioned 'The Best Press Secretary,' amid ongoing speculation over who will replace outgoing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt announced last week she will leave her position at the end of the month to spend more time with her family.
Trump’s social media post included multiple images, including one depicting him resurrecting the Keystone XL pipeline and another placing his face in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The images were uploaded to his Truth Social account, where he has previously used visuals to comment on political developments.
Leavitt’s resignation follows the birth of her second child, a daughter named Viviana, in May. Her departure leaves a vacancy in the White House communications team, prompting discussions about potential successors. CNN commentator Scott Jennings, a former aide to George W. Bush and Sen. Mitch McConnell, has been discussed as a leading candidate. Jennings, who earns over $500,000 annually at CNN, has reportedly met with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and circulated clips of his defenses of Trump administration figures.
Natalie Harp, Trump’s executive assistant and a frequent presence at his side, has also been mentioned as a possible replacement. Harp, nicknamed the 'human printer' for providing Trump with hard copies of news articles and social media posts, has drawn increased scrutiny in recent days. Reports indicate Trump joked about her potential appointment during internal discussions.
Other names floated for the role include former Trump campaign spokeswoman Elizabeth Pipko and former US Attorney Alina Habba, who has lobbied for the position. Sources close to the White House emphasize that Trump alone will make the final decision, despite ongoing lobbying efforts from staffers and external figures.
Background: The Press Secretary Role
The White House press secretary serves as the primary spokesperson for the administration, conducting daily briefings and managing communications with the media. The position requires frequent on-camera appearances and behind-the-scenes coordination with senior staff. Leavitt’s salary was capped at the federally mandated rate of $195,200 for full-time White House employees.
Potential Challenges for Successors
Sources suggest that the role’s demands extend beyond briefings, which occur roughly once a week. The position involves managing crises, coordinating messaging strategies, and navigating a politically polarized media landscape. Some observers question whether Jennings, a prominent cable news commentator, would be willing to step away from his high-profile platform for the less visible aspects of the job.
Trump’s Public and Private Signals
Trump has previously indicated a preference for a female successor, despite his praise for Jennings. His social media activity, including the AI-generated images, reflects a pattern of using humor and visuals to engage with political speculation. The White House has not provided a timeline for an announcement, with sources stating that no immediate rush exists to fill the vacancy.