George Santos Expresses Interest in Trump’s Press Secretary Role

Former Representative George Santos expressed a keen interest in becoming President Donald Trump’s press secretary. This announcement followed the news of Katie Zacharia’s departure from the role. Santos, a former Republican congressman from New York, wrote on X about his willingness to take on the position, stating, “Hey I’m not technically open for a job because I have one already…. butttttttt… I’d jump to serve POTUS as press secretary in a heart beat. Just saying.”

Currently, there is no indication that Santos is being considered for the role. Newsweek reached out to the White House for a comment on Zacharia’s replacement. A White House official confirmed Zacharia’s transition out of the role after only five days.

Santos, who was expelled from Congress in late 2023, faced charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Trump commuted his sentence in October 2025 after he had spent three months in prison.

Trump Advises Zacharia to ‘Reconsider’ Amid Criticism

Zacharia encountered significant criticism during her first and only press briefing, mainly over her legal background. Despite not needing a law license for the role, she identified as a lawyer without passing the U.S. bar exam. She graduated from Pepperdine University’s law school and attempted the bar exam in 2011, but she did not succeed.

Zacharia attributed the result to her impending move to China and her wedding that week. She stated, “I practiced international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials.”

Her legal background came under scrutiny during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity. Santos criticized Hannity’s approach, accusing him of being judgmental.

The State Bar of California confirmed to Newsweek that Zacharia was not licensed to practice law in the state under any name.

President Trump advised Zacharia to reconsider her position, acknowledging the media’s harsh treatment of her. Zacharia expressed gratitude for the opportunity, praising Trump’s character in an Instagram post.

Possible Successors to Zacharia’s Position

The administration faces the task of replacing Zacharia, following the departure of Karoline Leavitt, who left in late August to focus on her family. Before Zacharia’s appointment, potential candidates included CNN commentator Scott Jennings, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, Communications Director Steven Cheung, and conservative author Elizabeth Pipko. Trump has commended Jennings as a potential fit and suggested adviser Margo Martin.

Prediction market Kalshi identified Jennings as a leading contender, trailed by Kelly and former Fox News host Maria Bartiromo. According to an Axios report, Trump expressed interest in Bartiromo, highlighting her prominence as a television ally. She left Fox News in September after over a decade, leading to speculation about her future role.