Who are the top contenders to lead Trump's communications team and interact with the media?

President-elect Trump is continuing to make Cabinet appointments a week after his election victory, with a focus on selecting someone to lead his White House communications team.

After serving as the Trump campaign's national press secretary during the high-stakes election cycle, Karoline Leavitt is now the leading candidate for press secretary. Although Alina Habba, Trump's legal spokeswoman and adviser, was also considered a strong contender for the position, she announced Thursday that she would be more effective in other roles.

Although I appreciate the support and speculation, I am not considering the role of Press Secretary. While I enjoy speaking from a podium, I believe I would be more effective in other areas. I am excited about the upcoming administration and proud of the Trump team's recent appointments and achievements.

There are rumors that Trump may announce Scott Jennings, Jason Miller, Steven Cheung, Sage Steele, Elizabeth Pipko, or Monica Crowley as his new press secretary.

In Trump's first term, the communications team witnessed a frequent change in press secretaries and communications directors.

In 2016, Trump appointed Sean Spicer as his first press secretary, who served from January 2017 until July of that year. Spicer resigned after Trump named Anthony Scaramucci as communications director in a team shake-up. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, currently governor of Arkansas, replaced Spicer from July 2017 to July 2019.

Scaramucci, Spicer, Hicks, Shine, and Grisham have all served as communications directors for the Trump administration, with Scaramucci holding the position for just 10 days before being fired.

Grisham served as press secretary for Sanders before McEnany took over the role, and continued in the position until Biden's inauguration in 2021.

As of Thursday, Trump's second administration is coming together at a faster pace than his 2016 transition phase, with him announcing 20 key Cabinet and administration positions.

President Trump was re-elected by a significant margin, allowing him to fulfill his campaign promises and prioritize putting America first. His Cabinet picks reflect this commitment, as he appoints highly qualified individuals with the necessary skills to help Make America Great Again.

Trump appointed Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., as his national security adviser, three days before his 2016 announcement for the same role, when he had chosen former Army Gen. Mike Flynn about 10 days after Election Day.

Trump appointed former New York Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, a choice he made on Dec. 7, 2016, after initially selecting Scott Pruitt for the role.

Susie Wiles was announced as Trump's first pick for chief of staff the day after the election, while Reince Priebus was named chief of staff five days after the 2016 election.

On Wednesday, Trump announced that Taylor Budowich will be his assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel.

Trump's first press secretary pick was not announced until December 22, 2016, but this year's pick is expected to be made public earlier, like his Cabinet appointments.