Washington — As the Trump administration prepares for the upcoming midterm elections, the White House is quietly evaluating candidates to fill the vacant press secretary post left by Karoline Leavitt. Multiple sources familiar with the discussions told CNN that former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell’s longtime adviser, Scott Jennings, has emerged as an early favorite.
Meetings and Early Impressions
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly met with Jennings at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Washington, DC, at the request of senior staff. One senior official described Jennings as “competent and good on TV,” noting his experience in both the George W. Bush administration and as a GOP strategist. The meeting suggests Wiles is considering Jennings seriously, though she has indicated she will interview several other potential candidates before reaching a decision.
What the Administration Is Looking For
According to two sources, Wiles wants a “grown‑up” who understands the mechanics of the job and can uphold a professional image as the administration’s public face. The sources added that the preferred candidate is likely to come from outside the current White House staff, reinforcing the desire for fresh perspective.
President Donald Trump has also signaled that he is not in a hurry to make an appointment. He is reportedly weighing whether to continue using a rotating roster of Cabinet officials for press briefings, a strategy the administration has employed on an indefinite basis.
Jennings’ Response
When asked on CNN’s “NewsNight” whether he was interviewing for the role, Jennings declined to comment, stating, “I don’t have any comment about that.” He did emphasize the importance of the position, saying, “Every president deserves a good, solid defense and someone who can go out there and explain what they’re doing… The American people deserve somebody to tell them what’s going on with their president and with the government.”
Jennings also refrained from confirming any direct communication with the White House about the job and did not indicate whether he would accept the role if offered. One source noted that Jennings, who lives in Kentucky with his four school‑aged children, is not actively campaigning for the post.
Other Potential Candidates
Alina Habba, a former Trump‑appointed acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, publicly announced she is not seeking the position. Meanwhile, speculation has arisen around other names, including the president’s executive assistant, following recent media attention on former adviser Natalie Harp.
Leavitt’s Departure and the Role’s Challenges
Karoline Leavitt, who has been a trusted adviser to Trump, announced she will leave the post at the end of the month to spend more time with her young family. Staffers described her as thoughtful, not impulsive, and praised her ability to manage both public briefings and behind‑the‑scenes work. Officials expressed concern about finding a successor who can match Leavitt’s blend of on‑camera poise and closed‑door legwork.
One Trump adviser cautioned that while Jennings “looks the part” and handles television well, it remains uncertain whether he can perform the extensive behind‑the‑scenes duties that have made Leavitt effective.
Looking Ahead
With the midterm elections less than three months away, the White House faces pressure to fill the vacancy promptly, yet officials stress they will not rush the decision. The process is expected to continue over the coming weeks as Wiles meets with additional candidates and evaluates who can best serve as the administration’s primary spokesperson.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
