Scott Jennings
Salem Media Talk Host/CNN Pundit Scott Jennings has emerged as an early favorite for the next White House press secretary, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CNN, though all stressed the process remains far from complete.
Chief of staff Susie Wiles recently met with Jennings, a CNN contributor, at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Washington, D.C., at the White House’s request, two sources said.
CNN reports multiple staffers believe he has her backing. “He’s competent and good on TV,” one senior White House official said of the longtime GOP strategist, a former adviser to Sen. Mitch McConnell who also served in the George W. Bush administration. Jennings is one of several candidates under consideration.
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| Susie Wiles |
With Karoline Leavitt departing at the end of the month and midterms less than three months away, the White House faces a critical vacancy but has stressed it is not rushing.
Another White House official pushed back on claims that Wiles is already backing anyone, saying she will take her time to find the right fit. Wiles is seeking a “grown up” who understands the job and can maintain professionalism as the administration’s public face, two sources said, with the choice likely to come from outside.
President Donald Trump has told his team he is content to weigh options carefully and is in no hurry, officials said. He is also considering relying indefinitely on a rotating cast of Cabinet officials for press briefings, CNN previously reported.
Chatter about Jennings has intensified in recent days. Asked Wednesday by CNN’s Abby Phillip whether he was interviewing for the role, Jennings demurred on “NewsNight.” “I don’t have any comment about that,” he said, while underscoring the job’s importance: “I think every president deserves a good, solid defense and someone who can go out there and explain what they’re doing, because the government’s doing so much. The American people deserve somebody to go out there and tell them what’s going on with their president and with the government as much as they can. That job is the conduit to transparency in front of the camera and also behind the scenes, and that’s an important part.”