Trump reveals who he wanted to replace Karoline Leavitt — but lost out on

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt listens to a question from a reporter during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 12, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

President Donald Trump spoke with reporters on the South Lawn of the White House Thursday ahead of one of his trips to campaign in a red state. Among the comments he made was high praise for Fox News' Peter Doocy.

A reporter asked, "What are you looking for in a new press secretary?"

"We have a lot of people that want that job. I would say many of them are right here," Trump replied. "Would you like that job?Maybe a guy like Peter.But he's making too much money.He's gone.I lost him as soon as henegotiated his last contract."

Trump praised Doocy at one point, saying that he respects the Fox correspondent and that he has “always been very nice to me."

A dust-up in March 2026 stands out as one of the moments that drew anger from the president when Doocy asked Trump if Russia was helping Iran target U.S. forces. It has now been revealed that Russia has been helping Iran in its war with the U.S.

At the time, however, Trump called it a “stupid question,” though he repeated that he respected Doocy.

Trump also mocked Doocy at the White House Correspondents' Dinner for being "tongue-tied."

“They call me [the most transparent president in history]. You know who calls me that? Karoline. That’s about it. Would anybody else call me that? I think Peter would call me that. Am I the most transparent? [Former President Joe] Biden never used to answer your questions. He’d ask Biden 20 questions; he’d never get an answer. Who’s the most transparent president, Peter?”

Doocy didn't answer, so Trump commented, “Look at him, it’s the first time he’s tongue-tied. I cannot believe it. Oh, he’s not going to be happy tomorrow.”

Former press secretary Karoline Leavitt left the White House after returning from maternity leave. She said she would like to spend more time with her young children.

For months, CNN pundit Scott Jennings has been campaigning for the gig, and it has been reported by Politico's "Playbook" that Trump was asking allies whether they thought Jennings would be a good fit. Since that report, however, the president hasn't pulled the trigger on a hire.

When asked about it more specifically, Trump said he had a "mountain" of people to consider. MAGA world doesn't want Jennings, the New York Post reported.

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