Overview
- The White House confirmed a briefing for Thursday that will be the first since July 23 and ends a gap of more than 40 days without a formal briefing.
- Karoline Leavitt formally left the press secretary role at the end of August and is expected to take a position with MAGA Inc. while remaining an outside adviser to the president.
- No permanent successor has been named and the administration has relied on rotating senior officials to speak from the podium during Leavitt’s earlier maternity leave and the current vacancy.
- Several names have been floated as possible replacements, including Scott Jennings, Anna Kelly, and Steven Cheung, with Jennings publicly denying interest despite reports he sought the role.
- The return of briefings could shape how the White House handles near-term issues such as foreign policy crises and the 2026 midterms and will be watched for signs the administration will appoint a full-time press secretary or continue rotating spokespeople.