Jennings deflects questions on possible White House press secretary role
Scott Jennings, a CNN contributor and former aide to President George W. Bush, responded to speculation that he might succeed Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, saying he is uncertain about the outcome. He praised Leavitt's performance and noted the position would be challenging to fill. Reports indicate he recently met with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, and President Trump has publicly complimented him.
Jennings' professional history includes service in George W. Bush's administration and advisory work for Sen. Mitch McConnell. His recent dinner with chief of staff Susie Wiles at a Washington steakhouse has fueled speculation among White House staffers that he holds her backing for the role, according to CNN's reporting.
Leavitt's departure at month's end returns her to the MAGA Inc. super PAC, where she worked before joining Trump's 2024 campaign. Trump has indicated no urgency in naming her successor, noting the large number of applicants while singling out Jennings for praise during remarks at Joint Base Andrews.
The selection of a White House press secretary could shape how the administration communicates with the public during a period of infrequent briefings. A Jennings appointment may signal continuity with Trump's media strategy, given his frequent television defenses of the president. The transition could affect journalists' access to information and the tone of daily press interactions, though the full impact depends on how the eventual pick approaches the role.