Leading Candidates Surface for Trump White House Press Secretary Role
It's a challenging role in any administration, but particularly for the new one.
TroibNews 
As Donald Trump concentrates on assembling his Cabinet, several candidates have emerged for one of the most challenging roles in his administration: Press Secretary.
Leading the pack are Karoline Leavitt, who has served as Trump's spokesperson throughout his campaign, and Scott Jennings, a CNN political commentator known for defending Trump on the network.
Additional names that have surfaced among those close to Trump's operation include Fox News commentator Katie Pavlich, former White House spokesman Hogan Gidley, America First Policy Institute spokesman Marc Lotter, RNC spokesperson Elizabeth Pipko, and former Treasury official Monica Crowley.
Megyn Kelly, the former Fox News personality who hosts "The Megyn Kelly Show" and has publicly endorsed Trump, has also been suggested as a potential candidate. When asked if she had declined the press secretary position, she stated, “No comment.”
The role of press secretary is second only to the president in terms of constant visibility, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The incoming press secretary must adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape, manage the daily demands of the press corps, navigate podium questions, and meet the expectations of a president attuned to media coverage.
“From the president’s perspective, the No. 1 thing he has to have in that role is that person's confidence because he doesn’t see a distinction between comms director and press secretary,” a former senior administration official explained.
“They are not only in the Oval Office but in a giant meeting on weedy policy. Part of the job is going on TV and being in the briefing room. Part of the job is managing a team in addition to working with comms and digital teams and delivering the message on behalf of the president. And if he doesn’t trust your ability to do all of those things, then you can’t perform in that role.”
There has been some public positioning for the position. Recent reports suggested Trump attorney Alina Habba as a leading contender, though some close to Trump dismissed that claim. Others, like Arizona communications professional Melissa Rein Lively, are actively campaigning on social media for consideration.
Individuals associated with Trump’s 2024 campaign, including spokesperson Steven Cheung, Danielle Alvarez, and Brian Hughes, may return to senior communication roles. Taylor Budowich, who was a spokesperson for Trump, is also returning to the White House as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel.
Trump's allies are beginning to share their thoughts on potential candidates.
“I think @kleavittnh would make an incredible White House Press Secretary,” wrote Trump ally and conservative commentator Jack Posobiec regarding Leavitt on X.
“@ScottJenningsKY would be an incredible press secretary,” added hedge fund manager and Trump supporter Bill Ackman.
One insider noted that the public should not be surprised if Trump continues to act as his own press secretary, communicating directly through social media, impromptu press conferences, or phone calls with reporters.
A transition official chose not to comment on the speculation surrounding the press secretary role. “The president is in the process of making the greatest choices and when he makes those choices, they will be announced,” the official said. “Anything else is pure speculation.”
Leavitt, 27, previously worked as an assistant press secretary in Trump’s first administration before running for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022. She won the Republican primary for the 1st District but ultimately lost the general election. Leavitt has also served as a spokesperson for Trump ally Rep. Elise Stefanik, whom Trump nominated to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
During the Trump campaign, Leavitt played a key role within the communications team, often appearing on cable television and responding to press inquiries. According to campaign sources, she was well-regarded by her colleagues and demonstrated a willingness to engage with the media.
Jennings gained recognition during the 2024 election for his defense of Trump and conservatism on CNN. He previously worked as a special assistant to President George W. Bush and has close ties with Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell. While many insiders believe he would be effective as press secretary, he is also seen as a valuable asset on CNN, where he often represents Trump's viewpoint.
Recently, Jennings met with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s transition co-chair, to discuss joining the administration, according to a source familiar with the meeting. Jennings declined to comment.
Ari Fleischer, a former press secretary under President George W. Bush, noted that Trump has the chance to reshape the role after a presidential election where both campaigns turned to alternative news sources for coverage.
“The role of the press secretary in the Trump administration is going to be dealing with adversaries who can’t stand Trump,” Fleischer said. “To know who would make the press secretary [role] depends on what the president wants to do — is it to fight adversaries in the press room, or rethink the role and do things differently?”
“It’s going to be unpopular in media circles — this is the time for the Trump administration to fundamentally rethink what the role of the press should be in the United States,” he continued. “This is a rare opportunity and they don’t have to be tethered to old ways — the White House briefing room is an anachronism, it’s the last bastion of mainstream media.”
Some Trump supporters are suggesting a complete overhaul of the White House press operation, potentially sidelining long-standing traditions upheld by the White House Correspondents' Association.
“The White House Correspondents Association freezes out conservative media in press briefings. NYT, AP, other far left wing outlets sit and independent media is forced to stand. If they are even allowed in the room. Susie Wiles and WH comms needs to clean house on this,” right-wing commentator Mike Cernovich articulated on X.
Saagar Enjeti, host of Breaking Points, reacted on X, stating, “The White House itself has total discretion of which norms and traditions it will abide by and after an election where independent media played such an important role it can take multiple steps to break the cartels hold on power.”
Trump previously cycled through four press secretaries during his presidency. He appointed Sean Spicer in December 2016, but Spicer resigned after six months when Trump brought Anthony Scaramucci on board as the new communications director. Scaramucci’s tenure lasted only ten days. Spicer later stated that while Trump did not want him to leave, there were “too many cooks in the kitchen.”
Spicer was followed by Sarah Huckabee Sanders, now the governor of Arkansas, then Stephanie Grisham, who later criticized Trump and spoke at the Democratic National Convention, and ultimately Kayleigh McEnany.
Olivia Beavers contributed to this report.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
Leading the pack are Karoline Leavitt, who has served as Trump's spokesperson throughout his campaign, and Scott Jennings, a CNN political commentator known for defending Trump on the network.
Additional names that have surfaced among those close to Trump's operation include Fox News commentator Katie Pavlich, former White House spokesman Hogan Gidley, America First Policy Institute spokesman Marc Lotter, RNC spokesperson Elizabeth Pipko, and former Treasury official Monica Crowley.
Megyn Kelly, the former Fox News personality who hosts "The Megyn Kelly Show" and has publicly endorsed Trump, has also been suggested as a potential candidate. When asked if she had declined the press secretary position, she stated, “No comment.”
The role of press secretary is second only to the president in terms of constant visibility, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The incoming press secretary must adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape, manage the daily demands of the press corps, navigate podium questions, and meet the expectations of a president attuned to media coverage.
“From the president’s perspective, the No. 1 thing he has to have in that role is that person's confidence because he doesn’t see a distinction between comms director and press secretary,” a former senior administration official explained.
“They are not only in the Oval Office but in a giant meeting on weedy policy. Part of the job is going on TV and being in the briefing room. Part of the job is managing a team in addition to working with comms and digital teams and delivering the message on behalf of the president. And if he doesn’t trust your ability to do all of those things, then you can’t perform in that role.”
There has been some public positioning for the position. Recent reports suggested Trump attorney Alina Habba as a leading contender, though some close to Trump dismissed that claim. Others, like Arizona communications professional Melissa Rein Lively, are actively campaigning on social media for consideration.
Individuals associated with Trump’s 2024 campaign, including spokesperson Steven Cheung, Danielle Alvarez, and Brian Hughes, may return to senior communication roles. Taylor Budowich, who was a spokesperson for Trump, is also returning to the White House as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel.
Trump's allies are beginning to share their thoughts on potential candidates.
“I think @kleavittnh would make an incredible White House Press Secretary,” wrote Trump ally and conservative commentator Jack Posobiec regarding Leavitt on X.
“@ScottJenningsKY would be an incredible press secretary,” added hedge fund manager and Trump supporter Bill Ackman.
One insider noted that the public should not be surprised if Trump continues to act as his own press secretary, communicating directly through social media, impromptu press conferences, or phone calls with reporters.
A transition official chose not to comment on the speculation surrounding the press secretary role. “The president is in the process of making the greatest choices and when he makes those choices, they will be announced,” the official said. “Anything else is pure speculation.”
Leavitt, 27, previously worked as an assistant press secretary in Trump’s first administration before running for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022. She won the Republican primary for the 1st District but ultimately lost the general election. Leavitt has also served as a spokesperson for Trump ally Rep. Elise Stefanik, whom Trump nominated to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
During the Trump campaign, Leavitt played a key role within the communications team, often appearing on cable television and responding to press inquiries. According to campaign sources, she was well-regarded by her colleagues and demonstrated a willingness to engage with the media.
Jennings gained recognition during the 2024 election for his defense of Trump and conservatism on CNN. He previously worked as a special assistant to President George W. Bush and has close ties with Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell. While many insiders believe he would be effective as press secretary, he is also seen as a valuable asset on CNN, where he often represents Trump's viewpoint.
Recently, Jennings met with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s transition co-chair, to discuss joining the administration, according to a source familiar with the meeting. Jennings declined to comment.
Ari Fleischer, a former press secretary under President George W. Bush, noted that Trump has the chance to reshape the role after a presidential election where both campaigns turned to alternative news sources for coverage.
“The role of the press secretary in the Trump administration is going to be dealing with adversaries who can’t stand Trump,” Fleischer said. “To know who would make the press secretary [role] depends on what the president wants to do — is it to fight adversaries in the press room, or rethink the role and do things differently?”
“It’s going to be unpopular in media circles — this is the time for the Trump administration to fundamentally rethink what the role of the press should be in the United States,” he continued. “This is a rare opportunity and they don’t have to be tethered to old ways — the White House briefing room is an anachronism, it’s the last bastion of mainstream media.”
Some Trump supporters are suggesting a complete overhaul of the White House press operation, potentially sidelining long-standing traditions upheld by the White House Correspondents' Association.
“The White House Correspondents Association freezes out conservative media in press briefings. NYT, AP, other far left wing outlets sit and independent media is forced to stand. If they are even allowed in the room. Susie Wiles and WH comms needs to clean house on this,” right-wing commentator Mike Cernovich articulated on X.
Saagar Enjeti, host of Breaking Points, reacted on X, stating, “The White House itself has total discretion of which norms and traditions it will abide by and after an election where independent media played such an important role it can take multiple steps to break the cartels hold on power.”
Trump previously cycled through four press secretaries during his presidency. He appointed Sean Spicer in December 2016, but Spicer resigned after six months when Trump brought Anthony Scaramucci on board as the new communications director. Scaramucci’s tenure lasted only ten days. Spicer later stated that while Trump did not want him to leave, there were “too many cooks in the kitchen.”
Spicer was followed by Sarah Huckabee Sanders, now the governor of Arkansas, then Stephanie Grisham, who later criticized Trump and spoke at the Democratic National Convention, and ultimately Kayleigh McEnany.
Olivia Beavers contributed to this report.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
