Trump is considering a shake-up of his communications shop that could elevate Sarah Sanders, Spicer’s top deputy, according to White House officials and advisers close to the president. Trump likes Sanders and has been impressed by her performances this week, several of these people said.

Spicer, who formerly served as communications and strategy director for the Republican National Committee, took on the biggest role of his career less than four months ago. And unlike the firing or sidelining of other senior administration officials, any diminution of his position would be a painfully public rebuke given the outsize role he has played in the public’s day-to-day relationship with the White House.

Spicer has returned to the White House at night the past two days after his naval reserve duty, partially for work and partially to remind people that he remains the press secretary, one associate said. He decided to return to the podium Friday, even though the White House initially said he wouldn’t be back until next week.
“He knows the last three days have not been good for him,” one White House official said.