President Donald Trump indicated this weekend that he may be closer to naming his next White House press secretary, a key position that has been vacant since the departure of Karoline Leavitt at the end of last month. Speaking to reporters before departing Ireland, President Trump offered his most direct hint yet regarding the search for a permanent spokesperson for his administration.
"I may have developed one over the weekend." President Donald Trump
The President's comments arrived as speculation has mounted over who will fill one of the most visible roles in the executive branch. "I may have developed one over the weekend," President Trump stated when asked if he had a favorite candidate. He did not provide a name or a timeline for an announcement, leaving reporters with the suggestion that a decision could be imminent. President Trump also reiterated the high demand for the position, noting, "We have a lot of people that want it. Many people want it. Many people have been written about, as you know."
The vacancy arose following the exit of Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down from her role at the end of August. Leavitt, who was 27 years old when President Trump began his second term in January 2025, made history as the youngest White House press secretary. Her departure was announced by President Trump on August 12, citing her desire to spend more time with her family after the birth of her second child. Despite her exit from the administration, President Trump indicated she would remain a close outside adviser and take on an increasing role in Republican politics. Leavitt quickly re-engaged in political activity, returning to MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC, and delivering a prime-time speech at the Republican Party's midterm convention in Dallas just two weeks after leaving the West Wing. Her speech focused on President Trump’s record and encouraged Republican voter turnout for the upcoming midterm elections.
In the interim, the administration has adopted an unconventional approach to White House briefings, rotating various Cabinet secretaries through the briefing room. President Trump confirmed this strategy, stating, "We’re going to use the secretaries." Vice President JD Vance recently took the podium, addressing issues such as immigration enforcement, commercial driver’s license fraud, and the federal response to the 2023 East Palestine train derailment. President Trump also mentioned other high-ranking officials who could serve as fill-ins, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Secretary Rubio has already made multiple appearances during President Trump’s second term, and the President signaled he might be called upon again soon.
The White House press secretary traditionally serves as the primary interface between the administration and the press corps, fielding questions in televised briefings and working closely with the President’s senior team. This role is particularly crucial during a midterm election cycle, as the administration seeks to communicate its policies and achievements effectively to the American public.
Despite the President's hint of a potential choice, White House officials have consistently maintained that no formal shortlist exists and that the selection process remains fluid. However, several names have continued to circulate in media speculation regarding the permanent position. These include CNN commentator Scott Jennings, who has previously received praise from President Trump, as well as former acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, current White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley, and Breitbart Washington bureau chief Matthew Boyle. None of these individuals have been confirmed by the White House as official candidates.
For now, the practice of utilizing Cabinet officials for press availabilities will continue, allowing them to showcase their respective departmental portfolios. President Trump's recent comments suggest that while a permanent choice is still forthcoming – "Ultimately I’ll pick somebody," he affirmed – the period of indecision may be nearing an end. The timing of an official announcement, however, remains undisclosed.
