Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the mic
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is one of the more conventional figures in this unconventional White House.
The daughter of Mike Huckabee, governor of Arkansas and once a presidential hopeful, she rose through a testing ground of several Republican campaigns.
Ms Huckabee Sanders was born into the political life, spending part of her teens growing up in the governor’s mansion in Little Rock and helping her father to win re-election.
After attending Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts university in southwest Arkansas, she worked on president George W Bush’s 2004 campaign and in several senate races.
Now 34, Ms Huckabee Sanders is taking on what must be the most difficult job in Washington. She often stepped in for Mr Spicer, using her southern charm, and the occasional arched eyebrow and sarcastic put-down.
Her father said that the approach came from growing up with two older brothers.
“She has got a very sweet heart but she is tough, and she can handle herself,” Mr Huckabee said.
“She has had to take all kinds of gruff from her brothers, so she is pretty fearless.”
He is known for a pithy turn of phrase, a trait he seems to have passed on to his daughter.
She laid out her approach to her job at the briefing room podium after being introduced by Anthony Scaramucci.
“It is something I’ll cherish and will hope to do my very best every single day, and be as open, honest and transparent with you all as humanly possible,” she said.