WASHINGTON, DC — Speculation has swirled across social media regarding potential shifts in the White House communications department following reports that Katie Zacharia stepped down from her position as press secretary just five days into the role in October 2026.
Amid the discussions, online rumors began circulating that Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly had been chosen by President Donald Trump to step into the role. A fact-check of these claims reveals the truth behind the viral posts.
Claim: Anna Kelly is Trump’s New Press Secretary
The rumor gained traction on X (formerly Twitter) after an account named @WikifirstPost shared a post reading: “Anna Kelly is officially President Trump’s next White House Press Secretary.”
As users began speculating about the 29-year-old official taking over the vacant position, attention turned to Kelly’s background. Having joined the White House team in early 2026, Kelly brings a solid resume in Republican politics. Her career includes serving as the national press secretary for the Republican National Committee, working as a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, and holding roles within the Wisconsin GOP. An alumna of Auburn University and George Washington University—as well as a former contestant in the Miss State Fair of Virginia pageant—she has worked closely with the White House communications team alongside former press secretaries Karoline Leavitt and Katie Zacharia.
Because of her current standing as principal deputy press secretary and her extensive campaign experience, many commentators viewed her as a logical successor.
Fact Check: False
Despite the widespread speculation, the claim that Anna Kelly has been officially appointed as the White House press secretary is false.
Reliable sources—including her official X profile, her Wikipedia page, and recent media appearances, such as a Fox News Radio interview on October 22, 2026—continue to list her strictly as the principal deputy press secretary.
The vacancy arose after Katie Zacharia reportedly exited the role shortly after her mid-October 2026 appointment, which followed the earlier departure of Karoline Leavitt. While prediction markets and political observers have frequently named Kelly as a top contender for the job, the White House has not issued any formal announcement confirming her promotion.
Furthermore, the viral X post that sparked the rumor originated from an account explicitly labeled as a parody (“Uncyclopedia Politics | AF | Parody”) and was accompanied by an AI-styled image that differed from her actual official portraits.
As of late October 2026, no permanent press secretary has been officially named, and Kelly remains in her capacity as principal deputy press secretary.