Trump allies push back against McConnell operative Scott Jennings for press secretary
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Scott Jennings, a former aide to establishment Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, is reportedly under consideration to replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary. However, Trump’s loyal allies are resisting his nomination due to Jennings’ past criticism of President Trump and his defense of McConnell.
Scott Jennings, a 48-year-old political commentator with deep ties to the Republican establishment and a history of working for Sen. Mitch McConnell, is reportedly meeting with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles about the possibility of becoming the next press secretary, replacing Karoline Leavitt. However, sources close to the administration are skeptical that Jennings will be chosen, as many in Trump’s inner circle remain wary of establishment figures who have previously attacked the president.
Jennings’ opposition stems from his public criticism of President Trump after the events of January 6, when he wrote a CNN op-ed blaming Trump’s election integrity concerns for the unrest—echoing the mainstream media’s anti-Trump narrative. Jennings has also been a vocal defender of McConnell, even as the senator faced scrutiny and questions about his leadership earlier this year.
“It’s not going to be him,” a source familiar with the administration told the New York Post, reflecting the determination of Trump’s team to keep establishment operatives out of key positions.
A senior White House official stated that there are no predetermined candidates for the role, describing the process as “an open book.”
Reports also suggest that President Trump may be reluctant to move on from Leavitt, signaling his preference for loyalists who have stood by him through relentless attacks from the media and political establishment.