In a shocking turn of events, a conservative from CNN has been named as the frontrunner to replace Karoline Leavitt as Donald Trump’s press secretary
A CNN star has been named as a surprise frontrunner to replace Karoline Leavitt as President Donald Trump’s press secretary following her shocking resignation.
Scott Jennings, who serves as the network’s MAGA correspondent, is an early frontrunner to fill the newest vacancy in the Trump administration, according to sources close to the White House. Jennings, who is known for defending the president on the historically liberal network, has a long history in public relations and served as a special assistant to the president and deputy director of political affairs under George W. Bush.
The Trump ally recently found himself the subject of conversation when he claimed to have had a 20-minute call with Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, who had not been seen in public for several months.
When asked whether he wanted the job, commentators believe Jennings seemed evasive. “Karoline Leavitt has been maybe the greatest White House press secretary in the last 30 years, at least. She’s been nothing short of brilliant,” he told CNN’s NewsNight.
“I don’t know a single Republican in the country who isn’t in awe of and in appreciation of Karoline tonight,” he added. “So Godspeed on your journey back to your family. You’ve done great stuff.”
The Express reached out to both Jennings and the White House for comment. Jennings is not the only name currently being floated to replace Leavitt.
Alina Habba, the president’s former defense attorney and disbarred acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, is also being considered a strong candidate for the position, sources told The New York Post. During the president’s New York Civil lawsuit in 2024, Habba essentially served as press secretary.
Other names being floated included deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, who served as a national press secretary for the Republican National Committee. Kari Lake and Katie Miller, the wife of deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, have also been floated, but are considered long shots.
The Post’s sources also alleged that White House communications director Steven Cheung and former White House deputy chief of staff for communications Taylor Budowich are also being considered. Matthew Boyle, the Washington bureau chief for right-wing news site Breitbart, was also named as a potential candidate.
Users of the betting site Kalshi have also offered several other names to fill the position. Roma Daravi, vice president of communications at the Kennedy Center, was listed along with Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump and the daughter-in-law of the president, as a possibility.
And of course, Natalie Harp, the favorite assistant to the president, was listed as a possibility on the online betting site. Leavitt’s departure from the White House was announced by the president on Truth Social.
“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!” Trump wrote. “Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History and conclusively win the Midterm Elections.”
“Karoline has been a real leader in the White House, and has done a phenomenal job fighting for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom, since 2018, including our Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024,” he continued. Trump later added that Leavitt was “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office.”
“Thank you, Karoline, for a job well done! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” wrote the president.