President Donald Trump said on November 7, 2026, that he has extended an offer for the White House press secretary job to Dana White, the CEO of UFC and a longtime associate of the president. It remains unconfirmed whether White has accepted, and the White House has not announced a formal appointment.
Zacharia's Brief Tenure
The vacancy follows the abrupt exit of Katie Zacharia, whose time as press secretary lasted only five days. Trump named her to the position on October 9, 2026, and she held her first and only briefing on October 13. According to Fox News, that briefing ran 14 minutes.
Two days later, Zacharia appeared on Hannity and acknowledged that she had never passed the bar exam, despite having described herself as a lawyer for years. Her tenure was shorter than Anthony Scaramucci’s well-known brief spell in the White House.
The day after the Hannity interview, Trump told reporters on the South Lawn that he had advised Zacharia to reconsider the role, saying he suggested she think it over and revisit her decision. Politico initially reported that then-White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles helped arrange the Hannity appearance, but the outlet later corrected its story to say Wiles encouraged the interview without playing a direct role in booking it. Fox News said Hannity selects his own guests.
Other Names in the Mix
Before White’s name surfaced, Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly was widely mentioned as a possible replacement. On October 16, 2026, the prediction market Kalshi listed her as the leading contender, according to Newsweek.
Trump also praised CNN commentator Scott Jennings and floated White House aide Margo Martin to reporters. Conservative commentator Laura Loomer nominated herself on X on October 16, writing, “Hear me out: Press Secretary Laura Loomer.”
Zacharia's Next Steps
Zacharia may remain within the administration in a different capacity. Responding to the Politico report, Cheung said Zacharia will continue supporting the president as she moves into a new role, according to Mediaite. Before joining the White House, Zacharia worked as a senior communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social.
In a farewell message posted on X late on October 16, 2026, Zacharia praised Trump as kind, gracious, thoughtful, enthusiastic, and hardworking, adding that she wished more Americans appreciated him and that working for him had been an honor.
Until a successor is named, the press secretary position remains open.
