Trump makes brutal dig at Karoline Leavitt as he reveals who he thinks is the ‘best press secretary’

Donald Trump has offered a rather unexpected answer (although not entirely out-of-character) to the question of who would make the best White House press secretary.

The president posted an image of himself on Truth Social Thursday night appearing to show a painting of him standing behind the White House briefing room podium, alongside the words: 'The best press secretary.'

Trump's current press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, is preparing to leave the role at the end of the month, with her replacement still to be announced.

The post is also notable because Trump had a very different message for Leavitt when announcing her departure last week.

He described the 28-year-old as 'one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office' before saying she would become one of his top outside advisers.

Karoline Leavitt is preparing to leave her role as White House secretary at the end of August. (Photo by Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

Why is Karoline Leavitt leaving as White House press secretary?

Leavitt is stepping down after around 18 months in the role following the birth of her second child in May.

Trump said on Truth Social that she was leaving so she could 'spend more time with her beautiful young children and family', adding that he understood and respected her decision.

The president also said Leavitt would remain an influential figure in his political operation, describing her as one of his 'top outside advisors.'

Her departure leaves Trump looking for a new person to face the White House press corps, and several potential candidates have been teased.

Among the names mentioned are Natalie Harp, who Trump has called his 'human printer', Margo Martin, who he has referred to as his 'most beautiful aide', White House deputy press secretary Taylor Rogers and former beauty queen Anna Kelly.

CNN political commentator Scott Jennings has also reportedly attracted Trump's interest as he considers the appointment.

Trump said Leavitt would become one of his 'top outside advisors' after leaving the White House press secretary role. (Donald Trump/Truth Social)

The search comes after the White House has already had to rely on other senior figures to handle press briefings during Leavitt's absences.

When she took time away following the birth of her daughter in May, Vice President JD Vance stepped in, alongside Cabinet officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Leavitt returned to the White House press secretary role in July, but her second departure is now approaching.

For now, he has not announced who will officially take over the press secretary role when Leavitt leaves at the end of August.