Sean Spicer told Donald Trump in a May 15 interview with News24 that the White House’s next press secretary should be chosen for skill, not for a glossy image—he said looks account for only 20 percent of the role. Spicer, who left the post in July 2017 after six months, added that the position demands a deep understanding of media logistics and government operations.
The former press secretary defended Katie Zacharia, who had served five days after replacing Karoline Leavitt, and said her work on the America‑First agenda was solid. Yet Spicer warned that a candidate’s familiarity with the press corps’ demands is crucial, and that “if you don’t have a real grasp of how the government operates, you’ll never get the job.”
Zacharia’s brief stint drew headlines when she accidentally greeted her husband as “my president” during her first briefing, and her background as a senior adviser for Trump’s Truth Social platform had already raised questions about her fit. Leavitt stepped down at the end of August to spend time with her family, leaving the position open.
Spicer, a 27‑year veteran of the U.S. Army, has described the press secretary’s job as the toughest he has ever faced. He used that experience to stress the need for a candidate who can navigate the fast‑paced media environment and the president’s policy priorities.
Trump’s choice of a new press secretary will be announced next month, and the administration is reportedly vetting candidates who combine media savvy with a deep knowledge of the executive branch.