Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, is reportedly "meeting with some of the biggest agents in Hollywood" following her announcement that she will leave her role at the end of August. The claims, first reported by British journalist Rob Shuter on his Substack, Naughty But Nice, on Saturday, Aug. 15, have sparked speculation about her next career move.
Claims of Hollywood meetings
Shuter reported that an unnamed insider told his publication, "Everyone wants Karoline right now. She has something you can't teach - she knows how to command a camera, create a headline and dominate a news cycle." The source added, "She's been meeting with some of the biggest agents in Hollywood. They don't just see a political spokesperson - they see a media personality."
Shuter further alleged that interest in Leavitt had emerged from several outlets, including CBS. However, a well-placed source told The Mirror US, "This is false. Karoline has not taken a single meeting with an agent; she's focused on finishing out her tenure and serving President Trump as Press Secretary."
Leavitt's departure and family focus
Leavitt confirmed on Wednesday, Aug. 12, that she would step down to devote more time to her young children. In a statement on X, she wrote: "The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary - and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life."
Leavitt, 28, is the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary and the only one to have been pregnant while in the position. She and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, 60, welcomed their daughter Viviana, "Vivi," on May 1, 2026, and have a son, Nicholas "Niko," born July 10, 2024. She returned from maternity leave on July 16.
Next steps
Leavitt will not leave the Trump administration's inner circle entirely, as Trump confirmed on Truth Social that she will serve as one of his "top outside advisors." Prior to her role as press secretary, she served as assistant press secretary and speechwriter for Trump during his first term and as national press secretary during his 2024 campaign. No successor has been announced yet.
