Spicer Taking on More White House Communications Work

The White House said press secretary Sean Spicer has taken on additional work in the West Wing after one reporter asked why he was not present at Monday's press briefing.

Deputy White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders handled the briefing and was asked about Spicer near the end of the session.

CNN's April Ryan asked, "Where is Sean?"

Sanders replied flatly, "He's here today."

Ryan then pressed further, likely because of the recent rumors that suggested Spicer's job may be in jeopardy — or at least his role as the White House's chief on-camera spokesman.

"Why didn't he come out?" Ryan asked.

"This is part of my job as well," Sanders said. "Did you ever ask any of the other deputy press secretaries where they were?"

Ryan continued to squeeze Sanders for information, asking, "Is he in a new position now?"

Sanders went on to explain how Spicer is "taking on a little bit of extra duty" in the wake of last week's resignation of White House communications director Mike Dubke.

"There are a lot of demands on his schedule, particularly given the fact that there's not a communications director," Sanders said. "This is part of my job as well. When I'm needed, I'll step in."

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