Who’s next as White House press secretary after Katie Zacharia’s exit? – USFTB
Updated Oct. 21, 2026, 5:01 p.m. ET
WASHINGTON − After Katie Zacharia lasted just five days as White House press secretary, President Donald Trump appears in no hurry to pick her replacement.
Still, that hasn’t stopped several names from emerging as possible contenders ‒ including some of the same people who were mentioned for the role before Trump’s selection of Zacharia.
Any decision on the next press secretary isn’t expected until after the Nov. 3 midterm election. “President Trump and his team are focused on the midterm election,” Steven Cheung, White House communications director, said when asked about the timeframe for replacing Zacharia.
A hole opened again for the high-profile position after Trump fired Zacharia following a rocky and uninspiring debut press briefing and criticism that she misrepresented herself as a lawyer.
Trump often has an eye toward what he calls “central casting” for the part when he fills White House staff and Cabinet positions. Trump likes individuals who are telegenic. They must also speak with confidence and authority, two areas where Zacharia fell short during her one briefing. The last six of Trump’s seven press secretaries across his two terms in office have been women.
Yet when it comes to any shortlist for Trump’s next press secretary, it’s also worth remembering: Zacharia, a frequent contributor on Fox News and News Max, was on few people’s radar when Trump tapped her to replace Karoline Leavitt.
Trump has not indicated who he may pick, but here are names receiving early speculation – and attention in betting markets – as potential Zacharia replacements.
Scott Jennings
Receiving the most buzz as Zacharia’s possible replacement is conservative commentator Scott Jennings, who was also considered a strong contender when Trump searched for Leavitt’s successor.
Known for his spirited arguments with Democrats as a senior political contributor for CNN, Jennings has a history of viral clips that have surely made their way to Trump. The Kentucky native, who also hosts a radio show, last year published a glowing book about Trump titled, “A Revolution of Common Sense: How Donald Trump Stormed Washington and Fought for Western Civilization.”
Danielle Alvarez
Stirring intrigue, White House communications aide Danielle Alvarez stood near Trump as he took questions from reporters on Oct. 19 ‒ days after Zacharia’s departure ‒ as the president left the White House to board Marine One. Alvarez was occupying the spot where the press secretary typically stands.
Alvarez worked as a senior adviser during Trump’s 2024 campaign and as communications director for the Republican National Committee during the 2022 midterms. In her Trump campaign role, she appeared on television speaking on the campaign’s behalf.
Maria Bartiromo
Television anchor Maria Bartiromo was a cable-news favorite of Trump before Fox News Media parted ways with her in September after more than 12 years in the company.
She remains off the air several weeks after her departure.
Axios, citing unnamed sources, reported that Trump originally offered the press secretary job to Bartiromo to replace Leavitt, but Bartiromo signaled she didn’t want the job. Trump later offered the position to Zacharia.
However, hiring Bartiromo as White House press secretary could face complications because her attorney has said she remains under contract with Fox News Media.
Anna Kelly
Anna Kelly currently serves in the White House press office as principal deputy press secretary. Kelly is currently the betting favorite for the position, according to the online prediction market Polymarket.
The White House has increasingly deployed Kelly in front of the camera for interviews with Fox News, primarily discussing the Iran war and other foreign policy items.
Monica Crowley
Monica Crowley, a former Fox News analyst, currently serves as the U.S. chief of protocol in the State Department. In the role, she manages White House visits of foreign leaders.
Crowley’s past ties with Fox News and current access to the president make her a contender for press secretary.
Elizabeth Pipko
A riser on the betting markets for the next press secretary is Elizabeth Pipko, former national spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee.
Pipko’s career in politics started in 2016 working on Trump’s first presidential campaign. She’s also a model and author of the book, “Finding My Place: Making My Parents’ American Dream Come True.” In March, Trump appointed Pipko as a new member on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.
Margo Martin
If Trump wants to promote from within, Margo Martin could get a look as Zacharia’s replacement.
Martin, a special assistant and communications adviser to the president, is often by Trump’s side as he meets with guests in the Oval Office and travels the country. Martin, however, keeps a lower profile than other communications aides and rarely deals with members of the media. Her main role is leading the White House’s social media operation.
During an Oct. 1 midterm rally in Martin’s native Oklahoma, Trump invited her to the stage. “She’s beautiful inside and out, and she’s been so loyal. She’s been with me right from the beginning,” Trump said.
Taylor Budowich
Taylor Budowich, a longtime Trump adviser, left the White House in September 2025 for the private sector after serving as deputy chief of staff.
In his former role, Budowich oversaw White House communications and Cabinet affairs. He previously worked as Trump’s 2020 campaign spokesman and helped manage the pro-Trump Super PAC known as Make America Great Again Inc.
Katie Miller
Katie Miller, former press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence and the wife of Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, is a known commodity in Trump world.
Miller worked as a top aide for the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, led by tech executive Elon Musk. She stepped down last August to launch her own podcast, where she frequently interviews Trump officials. Her guests have included Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Roma Daravi
Roma Daravi, who served as deputy communications director during Trump’s first term, is currently vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, which Trump has worked to overhaul.
Though not as well known as some of the other names, Daravi shot up to third place on the live-betting site Kalshi during the previous search to replace Leavitt. She’s receiving buzz this go-around, however.
Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
