Trump’s next White House press secretary: 10 names in the running after Katie Zacharia’s 5-day exit

From Scott Jennings to Danielle Alvarez, several candidates may be in US President Donald Trump's list to succeed Katie Zacharia who lasted just five days as White House press secretary. Zacharia was dismissed by Trump following a rocky first press briefing.

Trump, however, appears in no hurry to make a decision. His administration is focused on the November 3 midterm elections, and the next press secretary is not expected to be named until after the vote. “President Trump and his team are focused on the midterm election,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said when asked about the timeline for selecting Zacharia’s successor.

As reported by USA Today, here are 10 potential candidates who could replace Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary.


Scott Jennings

Conservative commentator Scott Jennings is among the names generating the most attention in the latest round of speculation. He was also considered a strong contender when Trump was looking for Leavitt’s successor.

A frequent defender of Trump, Jennings is known for his combative exchanges with Democratic guests as a senior political contributor at CNN. Notably, the Kentucky native published a book praising Trump’s political movement last year. Titled *A Revolution of Common Sense: How Donald Trump Stormed Washington and Fought for Western Civilization*, the book reflects his alignment with the president’s political agenda.

His familiarity with cable news and ability to defend conservative positions could make him an attractive option. However, Trump has not hired a male press secretary since Sean Spicer who served for about six months in 2017, highlited a the Independent.

Danielle Alvarez

Danielle Alvarez has emerged as another potential candidate, particularly after she appeared beside Trump as he answered questions from reporters on October 19.

Alvarez brings experience from Trump’s political campaigns and Republican Party operations. She served as a senior adviser during his 2024 presidential campaign and worked as communications director for the Republican National Committee during the 2022 midterm elections. She also appeared on television to represent the Trump campaign, giving her experience communicating the administration’s political message to a broader audience.

Maria Bartiromo

Bartiromo reportedly was Trump's favourite during her years at Fox News Media, which she left in September after more than 12 years with the company. She has remained off the air since her departure. According to Axios, which cited unnamed sources, Trump initially offered Bartiromo the press secretary position when he was searching for Leavitt’s replacement. She reportedly indicated that she did not want the job, after which Trump turned to Zacharia.

However, Bartiromo’s attorney told USA Today that she remains under contract with Fox News Media, which may create an obstacle in her appointment in the Trump administration.

Anna Kelly

Anna Kelly currently serves as principal deputy press secretary, putting her close to the work involved in communicating the administration’s policies and responding to journalists. She has increasingly appeared on television for interviews with Fox News, particularly to discuss the Iran war and other foreign policy issues. Her growing on-camera presence has made her a potential candidate to move into the top job. She is also the betting favourite on the online prediction market Polymarket, according to the source material.

Kelly’s experience inside the press office could make a transition easier than bringing in someone from outside the administration. Still, her position on betting markets should not be mistaken for confirmation of Trump's plans.

Monica Crowley

A former Fox News analyst, Crowley currently serves as the US chief of protocol at the State Department. Her responsibilities include managing visits by foreign leaders to the White House. The role places her in contact with senior officials and gives her experience working around high-profile diplomatic events. Her familiarity with television and access to the president have helped put her name into the conversation about Zacharia’s successor. However, it remains unclear whether Trump would consider moving her from her current diplomatic responsibilities into the press secretary position.

Elizabeth Pipko

Elizabeth Pipko, a former national spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee, has also gained attention on betting markets. Her political career began in 2016, when she worked on Trump's first presidential campaign. She subsequently became involved in Republican Party communications and served as a public representative for the party.

Pipko is also a model and author. Her book, 'Finding My Place: Making My Parents’ American Dream Come True', explores her personal story.

In March, Trump appointed her to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, adding another official role to her political background.

Margo Martin

Martin serves as a special assistant and communications adviser to the president. She is frequently seen accompanying Trump during meetings with guests in the Oval Office and on trips around the country. However, according to USA Today report, 'Martin keeps a lower profile than other communications aides and rarely deals with members of the media.'

Taylor Budowich

Budowich left the White House for the private sector in September 2025 after serving as deputy chief of staff. During his time in the administration, he oversaw White House communications and Cabinet affairs. He previously served as a spokesman for Trump's 2020 presidential campaign and helped manage Make America Great Again Inc., a pro-Trump political action committee.

However, Budowich is no longer working inside the White House, meaning an appointment would involve bringing a former aide back into the administration.

Katie Miller

She previously served as press secretary to Vice President Mike Pence and later worked as a senior aide in the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative led by technology executive Elon Musk. Miller stepped down from that role last August to launch her own podcast. The programme has featured interviews with prominent Trump administration figures, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She is also married to Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy.

Roma Daravi

Roma Daravi, a former deputy communications director during Trump's first term, has also attracted attention. Daravi currently serves as vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, an institution Trump has sought to overhaul. As per USA Today, although she is less prominent nationally than some of the other names, she gained momentum during the previous search for Leavitt's replacement. She rose to third place on the live-betting platform Kalshi at that time and is again receiving attention.