Vice President JD Vance will host the first White House press briefing since July on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM, the White House Press Office announced. The briefing comes more than 40 days after the last formal press conference, a gap that reflects staffing transitions at the White House.
Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrapped up her final day in the role at the end of August. Leavitt stepped down to focus on family, transitioning to a role with President Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC while continuing to advise the president. Leavitt last briefed the press on July 23, 2026, after returning from two-and-a-half months of maternity leave. During her absence, a rotating cast of administration officials took the podium, including Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Vance last briefed reporters on June 18, 2026, shortly after the Trump administration reached a preliminary deal with Iranian officials to halt hostilities. That agreement outlined a 60-day ceasefire, but the U.S. and Iranian militaries repeatedly violated the terms. The ceasefire expired in mid-August without any sign of a lasting peace, leaving tensions high in the Middle East and potentially setting the agenda for Vance’s return to the podium.
The timing of the briefing also coincides with a critical moment in the political calendar. The 2026 midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026—roughly 60 days away from Vance’s appearance. Vance has been actively campaigning for Republican candidates in recent weeks, and the briefing may provide an opportunity to outline the Trump administration’s agenda ahead of the vote.
Trump has not rushed to name a permanent replacement for Leavitt. Potential contenders for the press secretary role include CNN commentator Scott Jennings and former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba. Trump told reporters last month that he had received numerous applications for the position, saying, “I have never seen so many job applications in my life.”
Sources
- The Hill — Vance briefing announcement, Leavitt’s departure, Iran deal background, and midterm timing
- Al Jazeera — Iran ceasefire expiration details
- Politico — Iran ceasefire status as of mid-August
- Bipartisan Policy Center — 2026 midterm election date confirmation
