The vacancy since Karoline Leavitt’s late-August 2026 departure has kept the market for Trump’s next press secretary tightly contested, with no formal announcement or shortlist emerging after nearly five weeks. Internal White House preferences for continuity favor experienced deputies such as Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, who has handled briefings and media surrogacy, while outside names like CNN contributor Scott Jennings gained early traction before facing reported resistance from aides prioritizing administration insiders. Temporary duties have fallen to communications staff including Danielle Alvarez and Jason Miller, reinforcing trader focus on loyalty, briefing-room readiness, and Trump’s direct input. Upcoming midterm messaging demands and any public signals from the president could shift probabilities among the broad field of administration officials, commentators, and allies.