Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will host Thursday’s White House press briefing, becoming the third Cabinet official to step behind the podium while press secretary Karoline Leavitt remains on maternity leave following the birth of her second child earlier this month. Bessent is expected to take questions from reporters in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room as Leavitt continues recovering after welcoming her daughter on May 1.Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance have already filled in during Leavitt’s absence, reflecting an unusual rotation of senior administration officials handling press duties.
Rubio was widely viewed as having displayed confidence, highlighting his wit and experience in international affairs, fueling speculation about his long-term political future.
Vance had a tough act to follow but held his own, at one point telling a reporter to have “objectivity” about President Donald Trump.
Thursday’s appearance will mark one of Bessent’s highest-profile public briefings at a moment when the administration is juggling several major economic fights. He has made appearances alongside Leavitt to tap into treasury-related inquiries.
Bessent has emerged as one of Trump’s chief economic messengers and frequently appears alongside the president to defend the administration’s financial agenda.
