From The Briefing Room To The Boardroom: Where Are The Most Notable Former White House Press Secretaries Now? (2025 Update)

The White House Press Secretary is arguably one of the most high-pressure, high-visibility jobs in global politics, serving as the voice of the President and the face of the administration to the world’s media. The role is notoriously short-lived—often lasting only a year or two—but it acts as a powerful springboard, catapulting its occupants into the highest echelons of media, corporate communications, and elected office. Given the intense scrutiny of the Brady Press Briefing Room, many wonder what happens when the cameras turn off and the former spokespersons move on to their next chapter.

As of late 2025, the careers of former White House Press Secretaries (WHPS) are more diverse and influential than ever, reflecting a new era where political celebrity translates directly into corporate power and media punditry. This exclusive list tracks the most recent and notable figures to have held the podium, revealing their current, lucrative, and often surprising positions, from major corporate boardrooms to state governorships. The latest transition saw Karine Jean-Pierre succeeded by Karoline Leavitt, highlighting the constant churn at the heart of presidential communications.

The Exclusive List: Where 15+ Former Press Secretaries Landed

The position of White House Press Secretary has been held by over 30 individuals since its formal creation. The post-service careers of these high-profile communicators demonstrate a clear path to continued influence, often leveraging their unique experience and media connections. Here is a look at the most notable former Press Secretaries and their current professional endeavors as of late 2025.

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Recent White House Press Secretaries (Trump & Biden Administrations)

The Press Secretaries from the Trump and Biden eras have capitalized on their name recognition to secure some of the most visible positions in media and government.

• Jen Psaki (Biden Administration, 2021-2022): Psaki's transition was swift and high-profile. She is currently a political commentator and hosts her own Sunday morning political talk show, Inside with Jen Psaki, on MSNBC. Her move to cable news was one of the most anticipated post-White House media deals in recent history.
• Karine Jean-Pierre (Biden Administration, 2022-2025): Following her tenure, Jean-Pierre has transitioned into a role as a high-level political analyst and commentator. She frequently appears on major news networks, offering insights on the current administration and political landscape.
• Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Trump Administration, 2017-2019): Sanders made the most significant leap into elected office. She is currently serving as the 47th Governor of Arkansas, a position she was elected to in 2022. This move solidified her transition from political appointee to powerful political figure in her own right.
• Kayleigh McEnany (Trump Administration, 2020-2021): McEnany quickly returned to her roots in conservative media. She is a co-host on the popular Fox News program Outnumbered and frequently appears as a political commentator across the network, maintaining a high level of public visibility.
• Sean Spicer (Trump Administration, 2017): After a brief and tumultuous tenure, Spicer has reinvented himself as a media personality, author, and public speaker. He hosts a talk show, Spicer & Co., on Newsmax, and was appointed to the Naval Academy Board of Visitors, a testament to his continued political engagement.
• Stephanie Grisham (Trump Administration, 2019-2020): Grisham, who also served as Melania Trump’s chief of staff, became an outspoken critic of the administration after leaving office. She released the tell-all memoir I'll Take Your Questions Now and is a frequent contributor and political analyst on major news outlets, providing unique insider perspective.

The Obama Administration Communications Titans

Former Press Secretaries from the Obama administration have largely pursued lucrative careers in the private sector, specifically in corporate communications and public affairs, demonstrating the value of crisis management experience on the global stage.

• Robert Gibbs (Obama Administration, 2009-2011): Gibbs has achieved a significant corporate role. He currently serves as the Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer for Warner Bros. Discovery, overseeing the media giant’s corporate and business communications strategy. This position highlights the direct pipeline from the White House to the C-suite.
• Josh Earnest (Obama Administration, 2014-2017): Earnest moved into the travel industry. He is the Executive Vice President of Communications and Advertising for United Airlines, a role he has held since 2018. His responsibilities include leading the airline's global communications and advertising efforts.
• Jay Carney (Obama Administration, 2011-2014): Carney, a former journalist, transitioned to the tech and e-commerce world. After a long stint as a senior executive at Amazon, he moved to the hospitality and tech sector, taking on a high-level role as a communications executive at Airbnb.

The Corporate and Media Pipeline: Leveraging White House Experience

The post-White House careers of these individuals underscore a significant trend: the high demand for top-tier communications talent in the corporate world. The ability to manage global crises, navigate complex political landscapes, and communicate under extreme pressure—all skills honed in the West Wing—are highly valued by Fortune 500 companies and major media conglomerates. This phenomenon has created a robust "revolving door" between the government and the private sector.

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For example, the move by figures like Robert Gibbs and Josh Earnest to lead communications for massive, publicly traded companies like Warner Bros. Discovery and United Airlines, respectively, showcases the immediate and substantial marketability of their government service. They are not merely consultants; they are executive decision-makers shaping global brands.

Historical Figures Who Defined the Role

While the recent figures dominate the headlines, several historical Press Secretaries established the precedent for post-White House success, often transitioning into diplomacy, journalism, or high-level government advisory roles.

• Dee Dee Myers (Clinton Administration, 1993-1994): Myers was the first female White House Press Secretary. After her service, she became a political analyst and commentator, and later served as the Executive Vice President of Worldwide Corporate Communications for Warner Bros. (prior to the Discovery merger). Her career path foreshadowed the corporate communications route taken by many of her successors.
• Mike McCurry (Clinton Administration, 1995-1998): McCurry maintained a strong presence in public service and academia, often teaching and consulting on public relations and political communication, demonstrating a commitment to mentorship after his time in the White House.
• Dana Perino (George W. Bush Administration, 2007-2009): Perino is a highly successful example of the media transition. She became a co-host of The Five on Fox News and a prominent political commentator, blending her policy expertise with media savvy.
• Tony Snow (George W. Bush Administration, 2006-2007): A former journalist, Snow returned to media and public speaking before his untimely passing, embodying the tradition of a Press Secretary as a respected figure on both sides of the media/politics divide.

The Current State of the Briefing Room: Karoline Leavitt

The cycle of the White House Press Secretary continues, and the current occupant of the hot seat, as of late 2025, is Karoline Leavitt. At just 27 years old upon her appointment in January 2025, Leavitt became the youngest person ever to hold the post.

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Her rapid ascent and tenure are a testament to the ever-evolving nature of political communications, where a combative style and direct engagement with the media, often bypassing traditional formats, are becoming the norm. Her performance is being closely watched, as her eventual exit will undoubtedly lead to yet another high-profile post-White House career, following the path forged by her predecessors.

The former Press Secretaries, whether they become governors, corporate executives, or cable news stars, share a common bond: they survived one of the most demanding jobs in the world. Their current success is a direct reflection of the unparalleled access and intense training the position provides, proving that a short stint behind the White House podium can set a person up for a lifetime of influence and professional achievement.