CNN political commentator and Daily Mail columnist Scott Jennings is reportedly being courted for the role of White House press secretary, a position recently vacated by Karoline Leavitt. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has been seen dining with Jennings at Morton's steakhouse in Washington D.C., a location blocks from the White House. Sources close to Jennings suggest he is interested in the position.
Leavitt's resignation last week, less than three months before the midterm elections, has prompted a search for her replacement. While Donald Trump has reportedly expressed a preference for a female successor, Jennings, a former George W. Bush aide known for his appearances on CNN, has emerged as a leading candidate. Sources familiar with the selection process indicate Jennings met with Wiles before Leavitt's departure was formally announced.
Meanwhile, other contenders have been vying for Trump's attention at his Bedminster golf club. These individuals include former attorney Alina Habba, real estate mogul Bill Pulte, and aide Natalie Harp. One source described the scene at Bedminster as competitive, likening it to the reality show "The Apprentice."
Additional individuals reportedly considered for the role include former Department of Homeland Security press secretary Katie Zacharia, ex-DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin, Breitbart Washington bureau chief Matthew Boyle, RNC spokeswoman Elizabeth Pipko, White House communications chief Steven Cheung, and ex-Kennedy Center spokeswoman Roma Daravi. However, it is understood that the final selection may come from outside the current White House staff.
Jennings has built a reputation as a strong defender of Trump on cable news panels, often serving as a sole conservative voice. Despite occasional on-air disagreements with the former president, including public statements opposing the violation of the 22nd Amendment regarding term limits, Trump's team reportedly views Jennings as a capable media figure who can withstand scrutiny from reporters.
Trump himself has publicly praised Jennings in the past for his ability to defend his administration, including at a campaign rally in Warren, Michigan. Jennings, who resides in Prospect, Kentucky, also reportedly considered a run for Mitch McConnell's open Senate seat earlier this year.
Leavitt cited burnout and the challenges of balancing the demanding role with the recent birth of her second child as reasons for her departure. Insiders indicated that Trump had made efforts to retain her despite these challenges.