Trump aide Scott Jennings faces opposition over potential press secretary appointment
Scott Jennings, a former aide to Sen. Mitch McConnell, is reported to be in talks about succeeding Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, but some of President Trump's close allies are reportedly resisting his nomination.
Scott Jennings, a 48-year-old political commentator who has worked for Sen. Mitch McConnell, is said to be meeting with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles about a possible appointment as the next press secretary, succeeding Karoline Leavitt. Sources close to the administration have expressed doubt that Jennings will be selected.
The resistance appears linked to Jennings' past criticism of President Donald Trump after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, including a CNN op-ed that blamed Trump’s false election claims for the violence. Jennings also defended McConnell publicly when the senator faced scrutiny over his disappearance earlier this year.
"It’s not going to be him," a person familiar with the administration told the New York Post.
A senior White House official said 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, potentially slowing the selection of a successor.