Overview
- Leavitt, who told reporters Friday this would likely be her last gaggle for a while, is due next week and joked that journalists already have the president’s phone number.
- The White House confirmed there will be no formal interim press secretary, with Vice President JD Vance, Cabinet officials or President Trump expected to take turns at the podium.
- Steven Cheung, the communications director, will oversee day-to-day operations with support from Leavitt’s existing press team.
- Officials have not said how long she will be out, and she previously returned to work within days after giving birth in July 2024.
- Her recent comment that she is not part of the president’s political team anymore drew scrutiny of her role, though Politico reported she intends to return after leave.