It’s clear that President Donald Trump has an affinity for his outgoing White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.
The 28-year-old superstar announced last week that she would be stepping down from her position at the end of this month to spend more time with her young family, a decision that stunned many in D.C. – including, no doubt, the president.
In an interview on Monday with Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams, Trump joked about Leavitt’s departure while calling her irreplaceable.
“Is Karoline Leavitt replaceable?” McAdams asked.
“No, she’s not. She really isn’t. She’s standing right over there and she’s done a great job,” Trump said.
Then the president added in jest: “She actually likes her children more than she likes Trump. I’m very concerned about that.”
“It’s a lot to juggle, right? You said you support that. Going back, is there somebody you have in mind that you’D like to see up at the podium to take over?” McAdams pressed.
“You. How about you? She could do the job. I think so,” Trump joked.
“What do you think, Karoline. I like it. I’ve always liked you. That’s why I’m doing this. I don’t do this that often. I get off, I make a speech, here I come, often we see Alexis. You have done a great job,” Trump continued.
The exchange brought together two themes: Trump’s praise for Leavitt’s work and the personal reason given for her departure. His answer to the question about whether she could be replaced was direct before the interview moved into humor. Calling her irreplaceable conveyed appreciation for the role she had played, while his comment about her children acknowledged the family priorities described in her announcement.
Leavitt’s decision, as presented in the account, centers on spending more time with her young family. That places the change in a personal context as well as a professional one. A visible position at the White House requires sustained attention, and the interview’s questions recognized the difficulty of balancing those demands. The discussion treated the departure as a significant transition rather than simply an opening to be filled.
McAdams then turned to the practical question of who might take over at the podium. Trump’s response shifted the conversation back toward a lighter tone by suggesting the correspondent herself. The account presents that suggestion as a joke, consistent with the playful remarks that followed. It does not identify a formally chosen successor or describe a completed appointment.
The contrast between praise and teasing gives the interview its character. Trump first emphasized the quality of Leavitt’s work, then used humor to talk about losing a familiar member of his team. The remarks about McAdams continued that informal approach. Together, the exchanges offered a glimpse of how the president discussed the departure in conversation rather than through a detailed staffing announcement.
For viewers following the transition, the clearest points remain the ones stated in the interview: Leavitt’s intention to step down, her wish to focus on family, and Trump’s favorable assessment of her service. The questions about replacing her were raised, but the quoted conversation did not resolve them. The account closes with appreciation and humor while leaving the next staffing decision open.
