The position remains vacant following Katie Zacharia’s departure after five days in mid-October 2026, the latest in a series of short tenures that includes Karoline Leavitt’s exit in August. Trader consensus shows dispersed probabilities, with Anna Kelly leading at 14.5% due to her role as principal deputy and recent visibility, followed by Donald Trump at 7% and a long tail of other names below 4%. Recent midterms and statements that the administration is in “no rush” have kept options open, while Trump’s history of selecting loyal media figures or insiders and occasional public jokes about candidates like Dana White sustain uncertainty. An official announcement, extended acting duties by current staff, or new endorsements could consolidate support around one contender.