Scott Jennings Touted as Early Contender for White House Press Secretary Role
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White House officials say former GOP strategist Scott Jennings is being considered to replace departing press secretary Karoline Leavitt, though the selection process remains ongoing.
White House staffers have identified former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell adviser Scott Jennings as a leading candidate to succeed Karoline Leavitt as press secretary, according to multiple sources familiar with the search. Chief of staff Susie Wiles met with Jennings at a Washington restaurant at the White House’s request, and several officials say she appears supportive of his candidacy.
"He’s competent and good on TV," said a senior White House official, citing Jennings’s media experience.
Jennings, a longtime Republican strategist and CNN contributor, has not confirmed any formal discussions about the role. When asked by a CNN anchor whether he was interviewing for the position, he declined to comment but emphasized the importance of clear communication from the president’s office.
"Every president deserves a good, solid defense and someone who can go out there and explain what they’re doing," Jennings said on air.
The White House is not rushing the appointment, with Leavitt slated to leave at the end of the month and midterm elections approaching. Officials indicated that Wiles will continue meeting with other potential candidates before a decision is made. President Donald Trump has also expressed a desire to take time in evaluating options, and may rely on senior officials to handle briefings in the interim.
Other names have surfaced and withdrawn from consideration. Former Trump adviser Alina Habba announced she is not seeking the post, while speculation has arisen about the president’s executive assistant as a possible alternative.
White House insiders stress that the next press secretary must combine on-camera poise with the behind-the-scenes work that made Leavitt effective, a balance they say remains under assessment.