Since White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced her departure earlier this month, speculation has intensified over her replacement. One name consistently ranking at the top of predictions—including in online betting circles—just confirmed she would not assume the role.
Bettors on Kalshi, a prediction market platform, had favored Alina Habba for the position after President Donald Trump’s re-election. At the time, Kalshi assigned Habba a 35% chance of being named Leavitt’s successor before she publicly dismissed the speculation.
Habba currently serves as senior adviser to the attorney general for U.S. attorneys and had previously been floated for the role following Trump’s victory. Leavitt plans to vacate her position at the end of August, as the White House continues its search for a new press secretary amid ongoing discussions about staffing.