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Alina Habba has dismissed speculation that she could become the next White House press secretary, ending a brief surge in prediction market interest surrounding President Donald Trump’s search for Karoline Leavitt’s successor.
Habba addressed the rumors Wednesday after bettors on Kalshi began favoring her for the high-profile communications role. At one point, the platform gave Habba a 35% chance of being selected, according to Fox News Digital.
Alina Habba Delivers a Sharp Response to White House Rumors
Habba, who currently serves as senior adviser to the attorney general for U.S. attorneys, directly rejected the idea that she was seeking the position.
“Flattered by the Kalshi odds, but I’m not in the running for any job,” Habba wrote on X.
She added that she would have preferred to hear about any potential new assignment from officials rather than anonymous sources. Habba also criticized the reports as “fake news,” signaling that she does not expect to replace Leavitt at the White House podium.
Her statement quickly changed the direction of the prediction market. Following Habba’s comments, CNN political commentator Scott Jennings became the new betting favorite, with Leavitt’s deputy, Anna Kelly, also emerging as a leading possibility.
Why Karoline Leavitt’s Exit Is Drawing National Attention
Leavitt, 28, recently returned from maternity leave but announced earlier this month that she plans to leave her post at the end of August. She cited a desire to spend more time with her two young children.
Her departure creates an important vacancy inside the Trump administration. The White House press secretary serves as the administration’s most visible daily messenger, handling briefings, defending executive actions and responding to questions from reporters.
The timing is especially significant as the administration approaches the midterm election cycle. Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer previously told Fox News Digital that Trump would likely choose someone with a strong, established relationship with him.
- The next press secretary will represent the administration during a critical political period.
- The role requires regular contact with President Trump and senior White House officials.
- Potential candidates are being discussed publicly while the White House weighs its options.
Habba’s Experience With President Trump
Habba is no stranger to the president or to high-profile political communications. She previously served as Trump’s personal attorney and became a prominent surrogate during his 2024 presidential campaign.
After Trump won re-election, Habba was considered for several administration roles. She initially served for more than two months as counselor to the president before being appointed interim U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey.
Her tenure as acting U.S. attorney later faced legal scrutiny. After a federal appeals court upheld a ruling that her subsequent service in that role was unlawful, Habba resigned. She was later named senior adviser to the attorney general for U.S. attorneys.
That background, combined with her public profile and close ties to Trump, helped fuel speculation that she might return to a more visible White House assignment. However, her latest comments make clear that she is not publicly pursuing the press secretary position.
Scott Jennings and Anna Kelly Rise in Prediction Market Odds
Jennings’ rise on Kalshi follows earlier reports that he had been considered for the position after Trump’s 2024 election victory. The former aide to President George W. Bush has since become a recognizable political commentator on CNN.
Trump has praised Jennings’ book and described him as a “patriot” who “gets it.” Those comments, along with Jennings’ experience in national politics, have made him a closely watched name in the succession discussion.
Kelly, meanwhile, has experience working directly within the White House communications operation as Leavitt’s deputy. Her familiarity with the press office could make her a practical choice if the administration wants continuity.
No final decision has been announced. Fox News Digital reported that it reached out to the White House for comment, but officials had not publicly confirmed a replacement as of the report’s publication.
What Happens Next in the White House Press Office?
The White House is expected to continue evaluating possible candidates before Leavitt’s departure at the end of August. While prediction markets can reflect public speculation, they do not determine presidential appointments.
For now, Habba’s rejection removes one of the most talked-about names from the immediate contest. Attention has shifted toward Jennings, Kelly and other potential contenders who could help shape the administration’s message ahead of the midterms.
Is Alina Habba replacing Karoline Leavitt?
No. Alina Habba said she is “not in the running for any job,” rejecting speculation that she could replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary.
Why was Alina Habba considered for the position?
Habba has served as Trump’s personal attorney, campaign surrogate and administration official. Her close relationship with Trump helped prompt discussion about a possible appointment.
Who became the new favorite after Habba’s statement?
Scott Jennings became the leading name on Kalshi after Habba dismissed the reports. Anna Kelly, Leavitt’s deputy, was also listed among the leading possibilities.
When is Karoline Leavitt expected to leave?
Leavitt announced that she plans to end her tenure as White House press secretary at the end of August to spend more time with her children.
