Share
News

Trump Reportedly Has His New Press Secretary: 31-Year-Old Kayleigh McEnany

Share

Kayleigh McEnany will become President Donald Trump’s fourth White House press secretary, replacing Stephanie Grisham.

The 31-year-old has been a frequent Trump supporter and served as the Trump campaign’s national press secretary before being tapped for the White House gig, The New York Times reported.

Prior to her role with the Trump campaign, McEnany served as a national spokesperson for the Republican National Committee and as a CNN contributor.

McEnany was part of Jeff Zucker’s attempt to diversify CNN with pro-Trump “characters in a drama,” according to The New York Times Magazine in 2017.

“Everybody says, ‘Oh, I can’t believe you have Jeffrey Lord or Kayleigh McEnany,'” Zucker said. “But you know what? They know who Jeffrey Lord and Kayleigh McEnany are.”

Trending:
KJP Panics, Hangs Up in Middle of Interview When Reporter Shows He Isn't a Democratic Party Propagandist

This latest White House shakeup comes as Mark Meadows takes over as chief of staff.

Axios reported last week that Grisham may be on the outs because Meadows was already meeting with potential new White House press secretaries.

Pentagon spokeswoman Alyssa Farah was one of the other candidates for the position and will also be joining the White House media staff, according to The Times.

Farah had previously served as Meadows’ communications director during his time as the chair of the House Freedom Caucus. She also served as press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence.

Do you think McEnany is a good choice for the position?

Meadows’ longtime congressional aide, Ben Williamson, will serve as an adviser for the communications team.

According to administration officials, Grisham and Meadows had frequently clashed and Meadows said she was someone he wanted to replace.

Grisham seemed unaware of the change when Axios asked last week.

“Sounds like more palace intrigue to me, but I’ve also been in quarantine,” she told the publication.

“If true, how ironic that the press secretary would hear about being replaced in the press.”

Related:
Blaze at Lincoln Memorial Triggers Major Emergency Response, Causes One Hospitalization

Grisham only served as press secretary for nine months, taking over for Sarah Sanders when she resigned last year.

Unlike Sanders and her predecessor Sean Spicer, Grisham did not hold any traditional media briefings and instead communicated through interviews, statements and tweets, Fox News reported.

Daily briefings have only recently returned in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and it is unclear if McEnany will restart the practice.

Grisham will be rejoining the first lady’s office as chief of staff and spokeswoman for Melania Trump.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, ,
Share
Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. A University of Oregon graduate, Erin has conducted research in data journalism and contributed to various publications as a writer and editor.
Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. She grew up in San Diego, California, proceeding to attend the University of Oregon and graduate with honors holding a degree in journalism. During her time in Oregon, Erin was an associate editor for Ethos Magazine and a freelance writer for Eugene Magazine. She has conducted research in data journalism, which has been published in the book “Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future.” Erin is an avid runner with a heart for encouraging young girls and has served as a coach for the organization Girls on the Run. As a writer and editor, Erin strives to promote social dialogue and tell the story of those around her.
Birthplace
Tucson, Arizona
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated with Honors
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of Oregon
Books Written
Contributor for Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future
Location
Prescott, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English, French
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Health, Entertainment, Faith




Conversation