Anna Kelly replacing Karoline Leavitt
Officials Say Karoline Leavitt’s Replacement ‘Needs More Polish’ as She Steps Into Role
Karoline Leavitt’s replacement appears to be set. The White House Press Secretary is currently on her maternity leave, and who is expected to step in during her leave is White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary, Anna Kelly. However, a few people think that she might not be able to perform the role effectively.
According to The Daily Mail, a former RNC official said, "Kelly needs more polish despite being a former pageant contestant."
Another administration official said, "Good on TV, but I wouldn't say she could completely fill Karoline's shoes."
Kelly studied political science at Auburn University in Alabama, and after graduating from Auburn in 2017, she pursued her master’s degree in political management at The George Washington University. She subsequently competed in the 2019 Miss State Fair of Virginia and took the title.
Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told Al Jazeera they are “watching closely.”
Leavitt is expecting her second child with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, but she reportedly postponed her maternity leave and returned after three days to deliver a press briefing. Earlier this week she resumed her duties, following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner on April 25th, 2026.
In addition to her current role, she has already been making the TV rounds on pro-Trump outlets, and that includes Fox News, Real America's Voice, and One America News. She is currently 29 years old, and is closely aligned with Leavitt’s work, which is staunchly defending Donald Trump and highlighting his perceived successes.
However, despite showcasing her skills in the Trump administration, some people feel like she has a long way to go before she can finally match Leavitt’s performance in the role. Kelly also appeared in an interview with The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, discussing her experience working with Leavitt, and described her time in the White House as "exciting" and said she doesn't let the "fake news" get her down.
“They can try to push their fake news narrative," she said. "But guess what? The approval is on our side…this is what the American people want. Kelly added she is enjoying the role as the Trump administration is constantly "winning".
A healthy baby girl joining the Leavitt family!
According to the Fairfax Times, she ran on a platform to "End the Apathy Epidemic: Promoting Youth Political Engagement." Kelly also told them, “My generation stands in an incredible position of power,” saying she grew up in a ‘politically outspoken’ family.
“In today’s polarized political climate, it is our job to step up to the plate and work to ensure the government we receive is a good one. It is my goal as Miss State Fair of Virginia to show young people that, contrary to what they might believe, we do have a voice and it’s about time we used it," she said.