The Post-White House Careers Of 35+ Former Press Secretaries: What They’re Doing Now
The role of White House Press Secretary is arguably one of the most high-pressure, visible, and demanding jobs in American politics, serving as the primary spokesperson for the executive branch and the President of the United States. As of December 21, 2025, the position has been held by over 35 individuals since its formal establishment in 1929, each leaving an indelible mark on the public perception of the administration they served.
This article provides an in-depth look at the former White House Press Secretaries, from the historical figures who shaped the role to the most recent occupants of the podium, focusing on the fascinating and often lucrative careers they have built after stepping down from one of Washington D.C.'s most intense media spotlights. We’ll dive into the full list, significant career highlights, and the latest updates on what the most prominent former secretaries are doing today.
The Complete List of White House Press Secretaries (1929–Present)
The position was formally established during the administration of President Herbert Hoover with the appointment of George Akerson. While earlier presidents had aides who handled press relations, this marked the beginning of the modern role. The full list of White House Press Secretaries, including the most recent former officials before the current officeholder, Karoline Leavitt, is a roster of political communicators who navigated some of the most challenging periods in American history.
Here is a chronological list of the individuals who have held the title, serving as the official mouthpiece for the President:
- George Akerson (Hoover)
- Theodore Joslin (Hoover)
- Stephen Early (F. D. Roosevelt) - *Longest-serving Press Secretary*
- Jonathan Daniels (F. D. Roosevelt/Truman)
- Charles Ross (Truman)
- Joseph Short (Truman)
- Roger Tubby (Truman)
- James Hagerty (Eisenhower)
- Pierre Salinger (Kennedy/L. B. Johnson)
- George Reedy (L. B. Johnson)
- Bill Moyers (L. B. Johnson)
- George Christian (L. B. Johnson)
- Ronald Ziegler (Nixon)
- Jerald terHorst (Ford)
- Ron Nessen (Ford)
- Jody Powell (Carter)
- James Brady (Reagan)
- Larry Speakes (Acting, Reagan)
- Marlin Fitzwater (Reagan/G. H. W. Bush)
- Dee Dee Myers (Clinton) - *First female Press Secretary*
- Mike McCurry (Clinton)
- Joe Lockhart (Clinton)
- Ari Fleischer (G. W. Bush)
- Scott McClellan (G. W. Bush)
- Tony Snow (G. W. Bush)
- Dana Perino (G. W. Bush)
- Robert Gibbs (Obama)
- Jay Carney (Obama)
- Josh Earnest (Obama)
- Sean Spicer (Trump) - *Shortest tenure among recent secretaries*
- Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Trump)
- Stephanie Grisham (Trump)
- Kayleigh McEnany (Trump)
- Jen Psaki (Biden)
- Karine Jean-Pierre (Biden) - *First Black, gay, and immigrant Press Secretary*
Jen Psaki and Karine Jean-Pierre: Life After the Podium
The two most recent former Press Secretaries under the Biden administration, Jen Psaki and Karine Jean-Pierre, have transitioned into high-profile careers that demonstrate the immense platform the role provides. Their post-White House careers are the most current examples of the "revolving door" between government service and media/political commentary.
Jen Psaki: From Briefing Room to Primetime Host
Jen Psaki served as the 34th White House Press Secretary for President Joe Biden from January 2021 to May 2022. Her tenure was marked by a return to the daily press briefing format and a reputation for direct, if sometimes combative, exchanges with reporters.
Post-White House Career: Psaki's transition was swift and highly publicized. She left the White House in May 2022 and quickly joined MSNBC. As of December 2025, she is a prominent host on the network, anchoring her own weeknight primetime program, "The Briefing with Jen Psaki." This move solidified her status as a major media personality, leveraging her government experience to provide political analysis and commentary to a national audience.
Karine Jean-Pierre: The Trailblazing Communicator's Next Chapter
Karine Jean-Pierre succeeded Psaki, serving as the 35th White House Press Secretary from May 2022 until early 2025. Her appointment was historic, as she became the first Black person, the first openly gay person, and the first immigrant to hold the prestigious position.
Post-White House Career: Jean-Pierre’s career trajectory post-White House has been equally compelling. After her tenure, she made news by announcing she had left the Democratic party, signaling a potential shift in her professional focus away from partisan politics. This move, reported in late 2025, is a fresh development that immediately elevated curiosity about her future plans, which are expected to involve media, writing, or a non-partisan policy role.
The Most Influential and Historically Significant Tenures
The history of the White House Press Secretary is filled with figures whose time at the podium defined an era, established new norms, or demonstrated extraordinary longevity. Understanding these figures is key to gaining topical authority on the role.
The Longest and Shortest Tenures
The sheer length of a press secretary's tenure often reflects the stability and political climate of the administration they serve. The record for the longest-serving press secretary belongs to Stephen Early, who served for a remarkable 12 years under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, from 1933 to 1945, spanning the Great Depression and World War II.
In contrast, the modern era has seen much shorter stints, reflecting the rapid pace and intense scrutiny of 21st-century media. Sean Spicer's tenure under President Donald Trump was notably short, lasting only 183 days before his resignation in July 2017. This short tenure is often cited as an example of the intense volatility and high turnover of the Trump White House.
From the Briefing Room to State Houses and Media Empires
Many former press secretaries have gone on to hold significant positions in media, government, and the private sector, proving the role is a powerful springboard for a post-political career. These career paths often influence how the public views the intersection of journalism and politics.
- Sarah Huckabee Sanders: After serving as Press Secretary from 2017 to 2019, she successfully ran for and was elected as the Governor of Arkansas, becoming one of the most powerful former press secretaries in government today.
- Dana Perino: A press secretary under George W. Bush, Perino has become one of the most recognizable faces in cable news, co-hosting "The Five" and "America's Newsroom" on Fox News, and is also a best-selling author.
- George Stephanopoulos: After his time as a press secretary and communications director in the Clinton administration, he became a highly influential figure in journalism, currently serving as a chief anchor and political correspondent for ABC News and co-anchor of "Good Morning America."
- Jay Carney: The former Obama press secretary is now a high-level corporate executive, having served as the Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs for Amazon.
The transition of these high-profile figures into media roles—often as hosts or analysts—raises ongoing ethical and journalistic questions about the porous boundary between political advocacy and objective reporting. Their continued presence in the public eye ensures that the legacy and controversies of their time at the White House podium remain relevant long after they have moved on to their next career chapter.
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