Karoline Leavitt’s abrupt departure has triggered a frantic search for Donald Trump’s next White House press secretary—and a combative CNN pundit known for explosive on-air clashes has reportedly surged to the top of the list.
Scott Jennings, the network’s most prominent pro-Trump conservative commentator, is now considered a leading contender for the position, sources told the Daily Beast.
If selected, Jennings would move from defending Trump across CNN’s crowded political panels to defending him from behind the most scrutinized podium in Washington.
Follow @allchronologyThe transition could transform the White House briefing room into an even more confrontational arena.
Leavitt’s resignation stunned administration insiders. The 28-year-old spokesperson had only recently returned from maternity leave after giving birth to her second child.
Reports suggest she began suffering from severe burnout almost immediately after returning. She reportedly concluded that the relentless demands of the job made it impossible to devote sufficient time and energy to her young family.
Trump publicly praised Leavitt and announced that she would remain an outside adviser. Behind the scenes, however, her departure reportedly created an urgent succession problem only months before the midterm elections.
Jennings possesses credentials that could make him an attractive choice.
Before becoming a familiar cable-news personality, he served in President George W. Bush’s administration as a special assistant to the president and deputy director of political affairs.
He also worked as an adviser to Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell and participated in several of the Kentucky senator’s reelection campaigns.
That combination of White House experience, political strategy and television visibility could allow Jennings to enter the role with fewer growing pains than a conventional communications aide.
But his televised record guarantees controversy.
Follow @allchronologyJennings has developed a reputation for defending Trump aggressively during heated panel discussions and attacking liberal colleagues with cutting language. In one notorious confrontation, he snapped at another participant to get their “[expletive] hand” out of his face.
Critics have also accused him of making claims on air that his colleagues privately believe he does not genuinely accept.
More damagingly, reports have alleged that Jennings has criticized or “trashed” Trump in private—even as he emerged publicly as one of the president’s most dependable television defenders.
Those accusations could become a major obstacle.
Trump values public combativeness, but he prizes personal loyalty above almost everything else. If White House officials believe Jennings has privately expressed contempt for the president, his cable-news performances may not be enough to secure the job.
Jennings was asked directly Wednesday night whether he wanted to replace Leavitt. Rather than confirming or denying his interest, he lavished praise on the outgoing press secretary.
“Karoline Leavitt has been maybe the greatest White House press secretary in the last 30 years, at least,” Jennings said. “She’s been nothing short of brilliant.”
“I don’t know a single Republican in the country who isn’t in awe of and in appreciation of Karoline tonight,” he continued. “So Godspeed on your journey back to your family. You’ve done great stuff.”
The answer avoided the central question while sounding remarkably similar to something a potential successor might say before formally entering consideration.
Follow @allchronologyJennings is not the only controversial figure reportedly being discussed.
Alina Habba, Trump’s former personal defense attorney, is also considered a strong candidate. Habba effectively performed the role of unofficial spokesperson during Trump’s 2024 New York civil-fraud trial, appearing before cameras to attack prosecutors, judges and the legal system.
Her fierce loyalty and willingness to embrace confrontation closely match what Trump has historically demanded from his communications operation.
Habba also briefly served as U.S. attorney for New Jersey before being removed from the position, adding another contentious chapter to her résumé.
Deputy White House press secretary Anna Kelly may represent the most conventional choice. A former beauty-pageant winner and Republican National Committee national press secretary, Kelly already understands the administration’s internal operations and would provide greater continuity.
Former Arizona gubernatorial and Senate candidate Kari Lake has also been floated. Lake built her political identity around attacking the media and disputing election results, which could appeal to a president who wants his spokesperson to treat daily briefings as political combat.
Katie Miller is another reported possibility. She previously worked in the administration and at Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and is married to powerful White House aide Stephen Miller.
Follow @allchronologyEach contender offers a different version of the same fundamental quality: the ability to defend Trump without hesitation.
The press secretary position has always required credibility, discipline and detailed knowledge of policy. Under Trump, it also demands a willingness to absorb his sudden reversals, explain unpredictable remarks and attack journalists who challenge the administration’s narrative.
Leavitt excelled at that combative style, but insiders say it eventually left her exhausted and sleep-deprived.
Her replacement will inherit all the pressure that drove her away—along with an approaching election, continuing legal battles and a president who reportedly dislikes bringing unfamiliar people into his inner circle.
Jennings has spent years practicing for televised political warfare from a CNN studio.
Now Trump may give him the most powerful microphone of his career.
The only question is whether the White House wants a disciplined messenger—or someone prepared to turn every briefing into prime-time cable television.
