White House to hold first press briefing in over 40 days, successor to Leavitt still unnamed

Briefing Scheduled After Long Hiatus

The White House will hold its first formal press briefing in more than 40 days on Thursday, according to a White House official who confirmed the plan to several outlets. The briefing room has been quiet since the last press conference on July 23, which was led by then-press secretary Karoline Leavitt, just a week after she returned from maternity leave.

During Leavitt's absence, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among those who filled in at the podium. The upcoming briefing ends a stretch of more than 40 days without a formal Q&A session with the press corps, although reporters have continued to have informal access to President Donald Trump at Oval Office events and brief encounters before Air Force One departures.

Leavitt's Departure and Successor Speculation

Leavitt's final day in the role was Aug. 27. The White House has not named her successor, and officials have declined to say who will lead Thursday's briefing. The uncertainty has fueled speculation about potential candidates.

Among the names floated for the job are CNN contributor Scott Jennings, a former staffer for Mitch McConnell; White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly; and White House Communications Director Steven Cheung. Reports indicate that White House chief of staff Susie Wiles met with Jennings at a Washington, , steakhouse at the White House's request, according to CNN, which cited two sources familiar with the matter.

President Trump, speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One for a trip to South Carolina, said he had received a large number of applications for the job. "I've never had so many job applications in my life," Trump said, adding that Leavitt had made the position "very glamorous." His comments were made ahead of a campaign rally supporting Sen. Darline Graham.

Leavitt's Advice for Her Successor

In her final days, Leavitt offered advice to her yet-to-be-announced replacement, emphasizing the importance of understanding the president's role. "I think it's most important in this job to understand that President Trump is his own best spokesperson," she said.

Leavitt also shared a lighthearted remark she and Cheung often make about Trump's involvement: "We joke, Stephen Cheung and me, that he is the true communications director and press secretary here at the White House," she said, adding, "And just understanding that, knowing that, and believing in the mission."

Leavitt described her last day as "bittersweet." She had announced in early August that she would leave the role to spend more time with her family.

Outlook

The upcoming briefing marks a return to a regular White House tradition, though the identity of the person behind the podium remains uncertain. The choice of who will lead Thursday's session may offer clues about the permanent successor, but as of now, the White House has not made an official announcement.