WASHINGTON — US Vice President JD Vance returned to the White House briefing room on Thursday, marking his first press briefing there in more than 40 days and the first since Karoline Leavitt completed her tenure as White House press secretary.
The White House press office announced that Vance would lead the briefing, continuing a pattern established during Leavitt's absence.
Leavitt held her final briefing on July 23. She had returned to work after approximately two and a half months of maternity leave following the birth of her second child in May.
During her absence, several senior administration officials took turns addressing reporters, including Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Leavitt has since left her position as White House press secretary and is expected to join MAGA Inc., a political committee aligned with President Donald Trump's political movement. She is also expected to continue providing advice to the president.
Vance's First Briefing Since June
Vance's previous briefing with reporters took place on June 18, shortly after the Trump administration announced an initial ceasefire arrangement involving Iran.
The ceasefire was intended to last 60 days, but repeated violations by US and Iranian forces contributed to its collapse last month without producing a lasting peace agreement, according to the report.
Vance has remained involved in several major policy initiatives during the intervening period.
In recent months, he has led a task force focused on investigating alleged fraud and financial irregularities involving social-service programmes in states controlled by Democrats.
2028 Republican Race Already Drawing Attention
Vance's return to the briefing room also comes as speculation continues over the Republican Party's potential field for the 2028 presidential election.
Vance and Rubio are currently viewed among the leading potential contenders, although neither has formally announced a presidential campaign.
Their positions within the Trump administration have given both figures significant national visibility, while their roles on foreign policy and domestic issues continue to attract political attention.
For Vance, the latest briefing provides another opportunity to communicate the administration's position directly to the White House press corps on a range of domestic and international issues.
His appearance also comes at a time when the Trump administration faces continued scrutiny over its foreign policy, relations with Iran and its approach to domestic government programmes.
