Story Highlights
- President Trump is considering promoting his executive assistant Natalie Harp to the press secretary role, according to recent reporting
- Harp, 35, currently serves as Trump’s trusted assistant and brings television hosting experience from her time at One America News
- The position would represent a significant career advancement, with salary increasing from $150,000 to $195,200 annually
- CNN political analyst Scott Jennings is reportedly the frontrunner for the role, with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles meeting with him about the position
What Happened
President Trump has reportedly been discussing the possibility of promoting Natalie Harp, his 35-year-old executive assistant, to serve as press secretary. According to CNN sources, the president has made informal comments to advisers about potentially tapping Harp for the prominent White House position. The conversation comes as the administration prepares for a transition in the press office following Karoline Leavitt’s departure at the end of the month.
Harp currently works as Trump’s trusted executive assistant, a role she has held since 2022 when she left her position as a television host. The potential promotion would significantly increase her compensation and elevate her profile within the administration. While she lacks extensive experience in traditional press operations, her close working relationship with the president and prior on-camera background in broadcast journalism position her as a candidate worthy of consideration for the high-visibility role.
- Natalie Harp’s current annual salary: $150,000; potential press secretary salary: $195,200
- Harp previously hosted her own show at One America News for over one year
- She joined Trump’s team in 2022 as executive assistant
- Karoline Leavitt’s official departure from White House scheduled for end of month
Why It Matters
The consideration of Harp for press secretary reflects the president’s confidence in personnel who have demonstrated unwavering loyalty and commitment to his agenda. Her potential promotion illustrates how Trump values trusted advisers who have worked closely alongside him and understand his communication style and priorities. Promoting from within the administration demonstrates continuity and ensures the press office operates with someone thoroughly familiar with the president’s vision and direction.
The press secretary role represents one of the most visible and consequential positions in any administration, serving as the primary spokesperson for the White House to media and the American public. Entrusting this responsibility to someone with deep personal rapport with the president ensures consistent messaging and effective advocacy for administration priorities. Harp’s television background, though developed outside mainstream media, provides relevant experience in broadcast communication and on-camera presence essential for the position’s daily responsibilities.
- Press secretary role requires close alignment with presidential priorities and communication strategy
- Internal promotion ensures continuity and reduces adjustment period for new personnel
- Television hosting experience provides practical foundation for media engagement responsibilities
- Loyal advisers demonstrate commitment to executing presidential vision without institutional resistance
Political and Public Context
The search for a new press secretary occurs within a broader pattern of the Trump administration prioritizing trusted associates for key roles. The White House Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, reportedly met with Scott Jennings, a CNN political analyst, at a Washington restaurant regarding the position, indicating that multiple candidates are under active consideration. Jennings brings extensive political experience, having previously served as an adviser to Senator Mitch McConnell and held positions in the George W. Bush administration, making him a more conventional choice from an establishment perspective.
Prediction markets show varying levels of confidence in the different candidates under consideration. Jennings holds the highest odds at 35 percent on the Kalshi prediction platform, followed by White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly at 21 percent. Harp’s odds stand at 6 percent, reflecting market assessment that while she remains in consideration, other candidates possess stronger conventional qualifications. Former Trump legal spokesperson Alina Habba, once considered a top contender, recently clarified she is not pursuing the position. This competitive field demonstrates the administration’s thorough evaluation process for filling this critical communications role.
- Scott Jennings: 35 percent odds on Kalshi; former McConnell adviser; George W. Bush administration veteran
- Anna Kelly: 21 percent odds; currently serves as Principal Deputy Press Secretary
- Elizabeth Pipko: 7 percent odds; former RNC spokesperson
- Natalie Harp: 6 percent odds; trusted Trump assistant with broadcast television experience
Preston Harp, the estranged brother of Trump aide Natalie Harp, is a supporter of the Sandinistas, a Marxist-influenced revolutionary movement that has dominated Nicaraguan politics for decades.
In a CNN interview, he urged Natalie to renounce her politics.…
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 22, 2026
What Happens Next
The administration will continue its deliberative process regarding press secretary selection, with a decision expected prior to Leavitt’s official departure. The White House appears to be conducting meetings with leading candidates to assess their suitability for the role and their alignment with administration communication goals. Observers should expect additional reporting on candidate meetings and potential announcements regarding the final selection in the coming weeks.
Regardless of which candidate ultimately receives the appointment, the new press secretary will assume responsibility for managing daily media relations and serving as the administration’s primary public voice. The successful candidate will need to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape while maintaining strong communications protocols with the Oval Office. Trump’s interest in promoting from within his trusted circle suggests the administration values loyalty and personal connection as key factors in its decision-making process for this high-stakes position.
- Final decision expected before Karoline Leavitt’s end-of-month departure
- Additional candidate meetings likely in coming weeks
- New press secretary will assume role managing daily media operations and presidential communications
- Administration prioritizes candidates demonstrating alignment with presidential vision and communication strategy
