Trump Appoints Beni Rae Harmony as Assistant Press Secretary

President Donald Trump is expanding his White House communications operation by appointing 24-year-old Beni Rae Harmony as an Assistant Press Secretary and White House spokesperson, filling out a press office transition sparked by Karoline Leavitt’s departure. Harmony confirmed her new role after being recruited from Real America’s Voice, where she worked as a senior White House correspondent. The appointment comes as the administration prepares for a leadership change at the podium following Leavitt’s exit on August 27, 2026, to return to the super PAC MAGA Inc and spend time with her children.

Beni Rae Harmony Joins White House Communications Operation

Harmony confirmed her appointment by reposting a message from Real America’s Voice Vice President Parker Sigg and celebrating the news on her X feed. Sigg praised the reporter for her relentless work ethic, sharp reporting, and energy on the front lines of the White House. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly also welcomed the hire, telling TMZ that Harmony has been a trusted voice for the MAGA movement and will make an outstanding addition to the press team. President Trump reportedly took a liking to Harmony after being seen reading a file about her aboard Air Force One on September 13.

Prior to her work at Real America’s Voice, Harmony served as a producer and administrator for Charlie Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, from August 2021 until February 2022, according to her LinkedIn profile. She joined Real America’s Voice in September 2025 following her resignation from WICS-ABC20, a departure that occurred after her suspension for delivering a tearful on-air tribute to Kirk.

Karoline Leavitt Departs Podium After Record-Setting Term

The incoming spokesperson arrives as the White House manages the exit of Karoline Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in American history, who held the position since the start of Trump’s second term. Leavitt announced on August 12, 2026, that she would leave her post at the end of the month to spend more time with her young children, Nico, two, and four-month-old Viviana. Since stepping down on August 27, 2026, Leavitt has returned to MAGA Inc, where she previously worked as a spokeswoman before joining the 2024 campaign.

Reflecting on her departure, Leavitt told Fox that balancing the round-the-clock demands of the briefing room with raising two small children drove her decision. She recalled that many critics told Trump she was too young for the job when he considered her, but the president ignored the doubters and gave her a chance. Trump praised Leavitt on August 21, 2026, during an appearance on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, telling reporters that she made the job glamorous and that he had never seen so many job applications in his life.

President Trump Teases Open Communications Job Applications

President Trump stated on August 21, 2026, that he experienced an explosion of interest in Leavitt’s job, noting that candidates love the position. While touring potential successors, Trump teased several possibilities with reporters ahead of a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. When asked about CNN commentator Scott Jennings, Trump replied that Jennings is good.

Trump also publicly floated communications adviser Margo Martin as a contender for the role, asking reporters on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews what they thought of her. Despite floating multiple names and recruiting Harmony into the press office as an Assistant Press Secretary, Trump has not yet officially named a permanent replacement for Leavitt at the White House press podium.