In a political landscape awash with speculation and anonymous sources, a trusted voice in the America First movement has cut through the noise, directly addressing rumors that had placed her at the top of a dubious list for the next White House Press Secretary.
Attorney Alina Habba, known for her staunch defense of President Donald Trump, decisively shut down suggestions that she was in the running to replace Karoline Leavitt, who announced earlier this month that she would be stepping down at the end of August to focus on her young children.
The departure of the 28-year-old press secretary, fresh off maternity leave, immediately sparked a flurry of media conjecture and activity on prediction market platforms like Kalshi, where Habba quickly became a front-runner for the coveted role.
Alina Habba said she is "not in the running for any job" after Kalshi bettors had favored her to potentially replace outgoing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Habba, currently serving as senior adviser to the attorney general for U.S. attorneys, had previously been considered for a press secretary position after Trump's initial re-election victory. Bettors on Kalshi had given her a 35% chance, but Habba herself quickly moved to douse the speculation.
"Flattered by the Kalshi odds, but I'm not in the running for any job," Habba posted on X, laying bare the often-unfounded nature of political rumor mills.
"However, if I'm getting a new one, I'd love for one of these anonymous sources to let me know first," she continued, with a clear jab at the establishment media. "Fake news remains the undefeated champ…well…until I come at them."
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, conducts a press briefing on Monday, March 30, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Habba's directness served as a refreshing contrast to the usual Washington whispers. Her past service includes a significant tenure as Trump's personal attorney and a high-profile surrogate during his 2024 presidential campaign, demonstrating a deep loyalty that is paramount in Trump's orbit. Previously, she also served briefly as counselor to the president and interim U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, roles that showcase her dedication and legal acumen, even if met with procedural challenges.
Alina Habba dismissed speculation that she could replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, saying she is "not in the running for any job." (Getty Images)
With Habba out of the running, the focus has shifted. CNN political commentator Scott Jennings, a former aide to President George W. Bush, has now emerged as the leading favorite on Kalshi, closely followed by Leavitt's deputy, Anna Kelly.
Jennings is no stranger to the Trump orbit, having been considered for the press secretary role after Trump's 2024 election win before Leavitt's selection. Notably, President Trump himself has publicly lauded Jennings, referring to him as a "patriot" who "gets it"—a clear endorsement of his America First credentials.
CNN political commentator Scott Jennings became the betting favorite on Kalshi to succeed Karoline Leavitt after Alina Habba said she was not pursuing the job. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images Courtesy of the Rainey Center)
As former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer wisely observed, "The next press secretary will undoubtedly be someone who has a strong existing relationship with President Trump." This sentiment underscores a fundamental truth about serving President Trump: loyalty, trust, and an unwavering commitment to the America First agenda are non-negotiable. As the search for Karoline Leavitt's successor continues, President Trump will select a warrior who is ready to articulate his vision with conviction, unburdened by the distractions of "fake news" and establishment narratives, reinforcing the importance of dedicated and principled individuals in the fight for American values.
