Anna Kelly Not Officially Appointed as Press Secretary
Anna Kelly, the White House principal deputy press secretary, has not been officially appointed as President Donald Trump's next press secretary, despite viral social media claims suggesting otherwise, according to a fact-check by Meaww. The rumor originated on X (formerly Twitter) from a user named Dissident, who posted that Kelly was "officially President Trump's next White House Press Secretary." However, official sources, Kelly's own X profile, her recent interviews, and her Wikipedia page continue to identify her as principal deputy press secretary.
The position has been vacant since Katie Zacharia reportedly left the role just five days after taking it in October 2026. Kelly, 29, is widely considered a natural successor, having served as deputy press secretary under former Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt since January 2025 and later being promoted to principal deputy. She joined the White House team after working as the Republican National Committee's national press secretary and as a spokesperson for Trump's 2024 campaign.
Kalshi Bettors Favor Kelly
Prediction markets on Kalshi have listed Kelly as the frontrunner for the job at 15 percent, followed by CNN political commentator Scott Jennings at 13 percent and former model Elizabeth Pipko at 6 percent. Kelly has not publicly commented on whether she wants the role. She is a former beauty queen who regularly appears on Fox News, and she has been a visible defender of Trump's media strategy. In an October 22 appearance on Fox News Radio's "FOX Across America With Jimmy Failla," Kelly discussed Trump's transparent approach to the press, saying "nothing is off limits for the president."
Context: A Chaotic Week in the Briefing Room
The vacancy follows a turbulent period for the White House communications shop. Zacharia's brief tenure ended after just five days, prompting Leavitt to offer a blunt assessment. "The job, obviously, was not for her, but we wish her and her family well," Leavitt told Fox News Digital on Thursday, adding that the press secretary role is "one of the hardest jobs in politics" and requires extensive preparation. Trump had earlier told reporters that the media had been "so nasty" to Zacharia and that he had urged her to reconsider taking the job.
The rapid turnover has raised questions about the president's selection process. A source familiar with the matter told Newsweek that Leavitt's remarks about her successor were "quite unsavory," especially given Trump's frustration during a Marine One gaggle shortly before Zacharia's departure. Leavitt, who served as press secretary for nearly two years, has offered to help Trump identify a candidate who can serve both the president and the country.
The Stakes for Trump's Communications Strategy
The press secretary position is critical for any administration, but particularly for Trump, who maintains an unusually direct relationship with the media and frequently bypasses traditional channels. The role requires managing daily press briefings, coordinating messaging across agencies, and defending the president's often controversial statements. With midterm elections approaching, a stable communications team is essential for promoting Republican candidates and countering Democratic messaging. Trump has been actively campaigning in the final weeks before the midterms, and a disorganized press operation could undermine those efforts.
Perspective: A Pattern of Instability
The rapid turnover in the press secretary role reflects a broader pattern of instability within the Trump administration's communications team. Leavitt's nearly two-year tenure was relatively long by Trump standards, but her successor lasted less than a week. The fact that Kelly, an experienced communications professional, was passed over for the top job in favor of Zacharia suggests that loyalty and personal chemistry often outweigh qualifications in Trump's decision-making. Kelly's experience as a deputy and her frequent television appearances make her a logical choice, but the president has reportedly been considering outside candidates, including Jennings and Pipko.
Kelly's Rising Profile
Kelly's background includes degrees from Auburn University and George Washington University, and she previously competed in the Miss State Fair of Virginia pageant. Her combination of formal communications experience and media savvy aligns with Trump's preference for telegenic, loyal spokespeople. If she is ultimately promoted, she would become one of the youngest press secretaries in history. However, the fact that she has not yet been named suggests that Trump may be looking for a different profile or that internal deliberations are ongoing.
The coming days will reveal whether Kelly's viral moment translates into an official promotion or whether the president will look elsewhere. For now, the White House press office remains in a state of flux, with no permanent leader as the midterm campaign enters its final stretch.
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