Who are Trump’s likely top contenders to lead comms team, interact with media?
President-elect Donald Trump is wasting no time in announcing his Cabinet picks, with his focus now turning to the White House communications team. Karoline Leavitt, who served as the Trump campaign’s national press secretary during the election cycle, is the leading candidate for press secretary. However, Alina Habba, Trump’s legal spokeswoman and adviser, has ruled herself out of consideration for the role.
In a post on X on Thursday morning, Habba stated, \”While I am flattered by the support and speculation, the role of Press Secretary is not a role I am considering. Although I love screaming from a podium I will be better served in other capacities. This administration is going to be epic! So proud of the Trump team, the latest appointments and 47!\”
Other potential contenders for the press secretary role include Scott Jennings, a former aide to President George W. Bush and CNN contributor, Jason Miller, a longtime Trump adviser and ally, as well as Steven Cheung, a campaign spokesman and adviser. Additional names being floated for the position include Sage Steele, a former ESPN host, Elizabeth Pipko, an RNC spokeswoman, and Monica Crowley, a former Trump administration official.
During Trump’s first administration, the communications team saw a series of changes in leadership, with individuals like Sean Spicer, Anthony Scaramucci, Hope Hicks, and Stephanie Grisham all serving in various roles. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who currently serves as governor of Arkansas, took over as press secretary from Spicer in July 2017 until July 2019.
Trump’s second administration is off to a quick start, with the president-elect announcing 20 individuals for key Cabinet and administration positions as of Thursday. Leavitt commented on the rapid roll-out of Cabinet picks, stating, \”President Trump will continue to appoint highly qualified men and women who have the talent, experience, and necessary skill sets to Make America Great Again.\”
Trump’s focus on loyalty is evident in his picks, with Rep. Mike Waltz being chosen as national security adviser and former New York Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin selected to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Taylor Budowich was announced as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel.
While Trump did not announce his first press secretary pick until December 2016 during his first administration, this year’s pick is expected to be made much sooner, in line with his speedy Cabinet announcements. The American people are eagerly anticipating the full unveiling of Trump’s communications team as he continues to build his administration ahead of his inauguration.
