Jennings Breaks Silence on Zacharia's Potential Exit as Press Secretary
CNN pundit and radio host Scott Jennings, a potential successor, discussed President Trump's comments on Katie Zacharia's tenure.
Scott Jennings, considered a frontrunner to replace Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary, addressed reports of her potential departure on his radio show Friday. Jennings, a CNN commentator and host of the Salem Radio Network's Scott Jennings Show, relayed President Donald Trump's remarks to his audience, indicating that Zacharia might reconsider her position.
Trump, speaking to reporters on the South Lawn before departing for a rally, described Zacharia as a "nice person" but suggested she "reconsider" her role. A senior White House official confirmed to the Daily Mail that Zacharia is "transitioning out" of the press secretary position.
"I think the President is right, I think she is a very nice person and obviously she and the President have some things to talk about," Jennings said on air. "It has gone a little bumpy over the past few days."
Jennings added, "But the President making news here. And perhaps reconsidering his choice for White House press secretary."
Jennings, a former official in the George W. Bush administration, has been a vocal supporter of Trump on CNN. He has been discussed as a potential candidate for press secretary, though one source close to the White House noted that his past alignment with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has had a contentious relationship with Trump, was a factor.
CNN reported in August that Jennings had met with Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to discuss the role. Last Friday, Trump announced Zacharia's appointment.
Zacharia's tenure began this week with a widely criticized 14-minute press briefing on Tuesday. The subsequent days saw her defending her performance and her qualifications. The Wall Street Journal reported that Zacharia had not passed the California bar exam. She explained to Jack Posobiec of Real America's Voice on Thursday that having a baby and subsequently three more children had prevented her from retaking the exam.
Zacharia also faced a tough interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News Channel and addressed questions about her background on Fox & Friends Friday morning.