The White House suggested Monday that spokesman Sean Spicer may be less present at the daily press briefing, and that he has taken on additional duties now that the communications director, Michael Dubke, has resigned.
Deputy press secretary Sarah Sanders conducted Monday’s briefing, and when she was asked where Spicer was, she said he was at work today, but not at the podium.
At first, Sanders said she was filling in for Spicer as part of her usual duties. But when asked if Spicer has transitioned into a new role, she admitted he is “taking on a little bit of extra duty” since there is currently no White House communications director.
“It’s probably upgraded at this point, given that we don’t have a communications director,” Huckabee Sanders said of Spicer’s role.
“There are a lot of demands on his schedule, particularly given the fact that there is not a communications director and this is part of my job as well and when needed, I’ll step in,” she added.
Spicer has been the subject of rumors for weeks now about whether Trump would replace him. Trump has said complained publicly that his communications team has been unable to effectively deliver his message, and Spicer has faced constant criticism from the press corps.
