George Santos Expresses Interest in Becoming Trump’s Press Secretary

Former Representative George Santos expressed a strong desire to serve as President Donald Trump’s press secretary. This followed the announcement of Katie Zacharia’s departure from the role. “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 heartbeat. Just saying,” Santos wrote on social media platform X.

Currently, there is no indication that Santos is being considered for the position. Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comments on Zacharia’s replacement. A White House official confirmed to Newsweek that Zacharia would be “transitioning” out of the role after only five days on the job.

Santos was expelled from Congress in late 2023 after being convicted of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. His sentence was commuted by Trump in October 2025 after serving three months in prison.

Trump Advises Zacharia Amid Criticism

Zacharia faced heavy criticism during her first and only press briefing. Her legal background raised questions as she has identified as a lawyer despite not passing a U.S. bar exam. Although not required for the role, Zacharia’s portrayal of her legal credentials became a topic of scrutiny.

A graduate of Pepperdine University’s law school, Zacharia took the bar exam in 2011 but did not pass. She considered the result “inconsequential” due to her plans to move to China, alongside her nuptials that week. “I practiced international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials,” Zacharia stated to Newsweek earlier this week.

Sean Hannity from Fox News questioned Zacharia about her legal qualifications, leading George Santos to criticize Hannity’s interview approach. The State Bar of California informed Newsweek that Zacharia is not listed as licensed under either her married or maiden names.

On Friday, Trump suggested Zacharia reconsider her role after feeling mistreated by the media. “I just asked her, ‘Is this for you?’” Trump mentioned, acknowledging Zacharia was a kind individual.

That evening, Zacharia expressed gratitude towards Trump, noting it was an honor to work for him. “President Trump is a kind, wonderful, gracious, thoughtful, enthusiastic, and hardworking man,” she posted on Instagram. “I wish more Americans appreciated him.”

Potential Candidates for Zacharia’s Replacement

The administration seeks to fill the vacancy created when Karoline Leavitt left the post in August, preferring to spend more time with family following the birth of her second child in May.

Before Zacharia’s appointment, several names were considered for the position. These included CNN commentator Scott Jennings, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, Communications Director Steven Cheung, and conservative author Elizabeth Pipko. Trump has publicly referenced Jennings as a possible candidate while proposing White House adviser Margo Martin as well.

Prediction market Kalshi listed Jennings as the leading candidate on Saturday, followed by Kelly and former Fox News host Maria Bartiromo. On Friday, Axios reported that Trump favored Bartiromo as a replacement for Leavitt. Bartiromo, a prominent television ally of Trump, left Fox News in September after a long tenure. The reason behind her departure remains undisclosed, leading to speculation about her future endeavors.

Newsweek utilized Martyn, an AI assistant, to compile this story. For more information, contact Newsweek editors Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray.