NEW DIGS

Trump White House to Shake Up Longtime Press Secretary Tradition

Karoline Leavitt, the incoming press secretary, won’t occupy what has long been the press secretary’s office in the White House.

Donald Trump’s spokesperson will not occupy the coveted digs of her predecessors. Instead, sources tell CBS News incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt will give up the press secretary’s office—a spacious work area with a wood-burning fireplace and views of the North Lawn—to spend her days elsewhere in the West Wing. It has long been tradition for press secretaries to occupy the office, with each of Trump’s revolving door of spokespeople from his first term—Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham, and Kayleigh McEnany—all using it. The office is expected to soon go to Taylor Budowich, the incoming deputy chief of staff for communications and cabinet affairs. The switch-up comes after the Trump transition team revealed the administration’s communications and press operations were merging instead of operating parallel to each other. Leavitt, who will report to Steven Cheung, will still retain “Oval Office walk-in privileges” that grants her direct access to Trump as a senior staffer, CBS reported. Leavitt is also making history as the youngest-ever White House press secretary at 27.