Donald Trump has appointed Beni Rae Harmony to his communications team as a White House spokesperson and assistant press secretary. The 24-year-old former correspondent for Real America’s Voice (RAV) is scheduled to officially begin her new duties on Monday, October 5, 2026.
White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed the hire, which moves Harmony from the press pool to the internal communications staff. The appointment follows a period of transition within the administration’s media operations; the top White House press secretary position has remained vacant since Karoline Leavitt resigned on August 27, 2026, ending a 19-month tenure.
The selection of Harmony comes as the administration continues to reshape its relationship with the media. In September 2026, the White House implemented total bans on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, while simultaneously elevating the presence of outlets like Real America’s Voice, which recently secured designated seating on Air Force One.
Harmony first gained national attention in 2025 following a high-profile exit from local news. She resigned from Springfield’s WICS-ABC20 after being suspended for airing an on-air tribute to the late Charlie Kirk. Following that departure, she transitioned to a role as a White House correspondent, where she became a recognizable figure in the briefing room.
Evidence of the move first appeared in mid-September when Trump was observed with documents containing Harmony’s name. While her specific portfolio as an assistant press secretary has not been fully detailed, she is expected to handle daily inquiries and support the administration’s messaging as the search for a permanent successor to Leavitt continues.
The White House has not yet announced who will fill the permanent press secretary role or if a traditional daily briefing schedule will resume once Harmony joins the staff next week. For now, the administration continues to rely on a rotating group of deputies and spokespeople to manage communications during ongoing international developments.
