Updated

Updated · Salon · Aug 21

Scott Jennings Emerges as Early Favorite for White House Press Secretary as Karoline Leavitt Exits Aug. 31

Updated

Updated · Salon · Aug 21

Scott Jennings Emerges as Early Favorite for White House Press Secretary as Karoline Leavitt Exits Aug. 31

Q: Who will inherit the White House briefing room as the administration pivots toward non-traditional media outlets?

No one has been formally named to inherit the White House briefing room. The leading public contender is Scott Jennings, who has emerged in multiple reports as an early favorite, but White House officials say the selection is still unresolved and President Donald Trump will make the final decision. Jennings’ name gained traction after reports that Chief of Staff Susie Wiles met with him as part of the search. Supporters see him as a strong on-air communicator, though some inside the administration have noted the job also requires managing the press operation behind the scenes, not just performing at the podium. If the White House opts for continuity, Anna Kelly remains a serious internal possibility. As principal deputy press secretary, she already works inside the current press shop and would offer familiarity with the administration’s briefing strategy as it expands access for newer and nontraditional media outlets. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung is also widely discussed because of his long experience in Trump’s communications orbit and close involvement in the existing operation. Alina Habba had been floated in some speculation, but she has publicly said she is not in the running. Other names have surfaced more broadly, but the clearest field remains Jennings, Kelly and Cheung. For now, the most accurate answer is that Leavitt’s successor has not yet been chosen, with Jennings seen as the early favorite and Kelly and Cheung as prominent alternatives.

3 articles · Updated · Salon · Aug 21

CNN contributor Scott Jennings has emerged as the early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt, whose departure at the end of August opened the White House press secretary post.
CNN reported chief of staff Susie Wiles met Jennings privately in Washington, and senior Trump aides view him as "competent and good on TV" with backing inside the administration.
POLITICO said Jennings has been sending clips of his CNN appearances to senior White House staffers, effectively campaigning as a shortlist also includes Ari Fleischer, Natalie Harp, Steven Cheung, Matthew Boyle and Alina Habba.
Jennings could face scrutiny over his Jan. 6 reversal after blaming Trump for the 2021 Capitol attack, and over a possible defamation suit tied to a doctored Hasan Piker clip.
The contest underscores how Trump's communications team is prioritizing television performance and loyalty as it reshapes its public-facing operation for the next phase of his second term.