Potential Candidates for Trump’s Press Secretary Role
Former Representative George Santos expressed eagerness to serve as President Donald Trump’s press secretary soon after Katie Zacharia’s departure from the role. Santos communicated his interest through a post, stating he would readily accept the position to serve Trump, despite currently holding another job. As of now, there is no indication that Santos is under consideration for the post. Newsweek requested a comment from the White House on Zacharia’s potential replacement.
A White House official confirmed to Newsweek that Zacharia is transitioning out of her role after only five days. Santos, who was expelled from Congress in 2023, faced charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. His sentence was commuted by Trump in October 2025 after serving three months in prison.
Trump Advises Zacharia Amid Controversy
Zacharia faced significant criticism after her first and only press briefing due to her legal background. Despite not passing a U.S. bar exam, she described herself as a lawyer. Zacharia graduated from Pepperdine University’s law school and sat for the bar exam in 2011 but did not pass, citing personal reasons for deeming the result inconsequential. She reiterated her credentials in a statement earlier this week.
Zacharia was questioned about her legal background by Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday night. Santos criticized Hannity’s approach to the interview, accusing him of unfair judgment. The State Bar of California confirmed to Newsweek that there is no record of Zacharia being licensed to practice law in the state.
On Friday, Trump suggested Zacharia reconsider her decision, acknowledging the tough media treatment she received. Zacharia expressed her gratitude to Trump, highlighting the honor of working for someone she described positively on social media.
Laura Loomer and Other Potential Candidates
Conservative commentator and part-time Trump adviser Laura Loomer publicly expressed her interest in the press secretary position. The administration must fill the vacancy left by Zacharia’s predecessor, Karoline Leavitt, who departed in late August to focus on family commitments.
Before Zacharia’s appointment, potential candidates included CNN commentator Scott Jennings, Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, Communications Director Steven Cheung, and conservative author Elizabeth Pipko. Trump has previously praised Jennings and suggested White House adviser Margo Martin. Prediction market Kalshi listed Jennings as the top contender, followed by Kelly and former Fox News host Maria Bartiromo. Two sources indicated Trump’s interest in Bartiromo, who left Fox News in September.