Scott Jennings, a conservative CNN commentator and former George W. Bush advisor, has not ruled out taking over as White House press secretary following Karoline Leavitt's announced resignation. When questioned on primetime television, Jennings, 48, responded with an ambiguous "I don't know" regarding his interest in the position.
Leavitt, 28, who is the youngest White House press secretary in history, announced her departure earlier this week, stating her intention to spend more time with her family. Her last day is scheduled for the end of August. Jennings praised Leavitt, calling her "maybe the greatest White House press secretary in the last 30 years" and noting that "not a single Republican in the country isn’t in awe of and in appreciation of Karoline."
During the NewsNight segment, Washington Post Foreign Policy Correspondent Josh Rogin pressed Jennings directly, asking, "Do you want the job or not?" CNN pundit Bakari Sellers then interjected with a playful remark, suggesting that Democrats' fear of Jennings becoming press secretary might help him secure the role.
The exchange was later shared by Jennings on X, where a report from The Daily Beast identified him as a frontrunner for the position. Jennings has been a consistent presence on CNN since 2017, known for his conservative viewpoints and frequent appearances on NewsNight, often debating host Abby Phillip. He recently confirmed he had re-signed with CNN, stating he was "quite happy" with the network and felt debating liberals there was "the highest and best use of my time in the media." Jennings also launched a nationally syndicated radio show with Salem in July.