The White House press secretary position has remained vacant since mid-October 2026 following the brief tenure of Katie Zacharia, who was appointed on October 9, assumed duties on October 12, and departed after one briefing amid performance questions. Karoline Leavitt had left the role in late August to focus on family. President Trump has signaled interest in replacements through public statements, including a November 7 offer to UFC’s Dana White that was later described as non-serious, with White declining to pursue it. Acting duties fall to deputies such as Anna Kelly while the administration manages post-midterm dynamics after Democrats gained congressional control on November 3 and Stephen Miller began as chief of staff on November 6. Any announcement would likely reflect priorities around media relations and loyalty in the current communications structure.