WASHINGTON, D.C. — Scott Jennings has emerged as an early favorite or contender to replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary. Karoline Leavitt is departing her position as White House press secretary at the end of August.

The selection process involves internal debate over Jennings' past criticism of Donald Trump and his longstanding ties to Senator Mitch McConnell. Some allies of President Trump oppose Jennings' potential appointment due to these connections. "It’s not going to be him," one person close to the administration said regarding Jennings.

Jennings managed Mitch McConnell's successful 2002 re-election campaign. He studied at the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville. On live television last month, Jennings stated that McConnell was "my mentor" and "changed the trajectory of my life." The 48-year-old also served in the George W. Bush administration.

Opposition stems partly from a CNN op-ed Jennings wrote regarding the January 6 Capitol riot. In the piece, he stated that "Trump caused this insurrection with his lies and conspiracy theories about the election process being rigged against him." Jennings further wrote that participants in the riot "are domestic terrorists" and "ought to be treated like any other terrorist uprising with the full force and fury of the US government." President Trump mass-pardoned participants in the January 6 Capitol riot after retaking office.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles met with Jennings recently at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Washington, D.C. at the request of the White House. Wiles plans to meet with several other potential contenders for the press secretary job before making a decision. She is looking for a candidate who is a "grown up" who understands how the job works and can maintain professionalism. Sources said the likely candidate for press secretary will be external to the current White House staff.

Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly is a contender for the White House press secretary job. Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley is a contender for the role. Breitbart Washington bureau chief Matt Boyle is also a contender.

Ari Fleischer, a former press secretary for President George W. Bush, is reportedly under consideration for the White House press secretary role. President Trump has told close advisers that he wants a male press secretary after putting four women in the position following the brief tenure of Sean Spicer at the start of his first term.

Alina Habba posted on X: "I’m not in the running for any job. However, if I’m getting a new one, I’d love for one of these anonymous sources to let me know first. Fake news remains the undefeated champ…well…until I come at them." Habba had a 35% chance of becoming White House press secretary on the prediction market Kalshi before her post denying she was a candidate.

Her odds dropped to 24% after she posted that she was not in the running. That is a fall of 11 percentage points, from 35% to 24%. Jennings had a 30% chance of becoming White House press secretary on Kalshi, surpassing Alina Habba as the betting favorite. Anna Kelly has a 13% chance of becoming White House press secretary on Kalshi. That is a fall of 11 percentage points, from 24% to 13%.

"It’s an open book," a senior administration official said regarding the hiring process for the next press secretary. "There are no favorites or preconceived ideas," a senior administration official said regarding the hiring process. President Trump told his team he is happy to take his time weighing options for the press secretary role.

The White House expects to use a rotating cast of fill-in briefers until a new press secretary is named. President Trump is considering relying on a rotating cast of Cabinet officials to handle press briefings for an indefinite period. President Trump continues to take questions from the press on a regular and impromptu basis.

President Trump has had five press secretaries across his two terms: Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham, Kayleigh McEnany, and Karoline Leavitt. Jennings defended President Trump and aide Natalie Harp on social media and CNN recently. When asked if he was interviewing for the press secretary job, Jennings responded by texting a GIF of Patrick Swayze’s character James Dalton from the film "Road House" with the caption: "Opinions vary."

Why It Matters

The search for a new press secretary occurs as the administration weighs internal loyalty against external expertise. Jennings' emergence shows the tension between his recent defense of the president and his past public criticisms of Trump's actions surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot. The outcome will determine whether the White House prioritizes historical alignment with Trump's base or seeks a communicator with broader political experience.

Prediction markets and internal discussions reflect a fluid situation with multiple potential candidates. The consideration of external figures like Fleischer and Jennings contrasts with the possibility of promoting current staff members like Kelly. The final decision will shape how the administration communicates its agenda during a period where Trump continues to engage directly with the press outside of formal briefings.

Timeline

On 2002-01-01, Scott Jennings managed Mitch McConnell's successful 2002 re-election campaign.

What's New

Additional reporting provides further detail on the candidates and process. Jennings served in the George W. Bush administration. Susie Wiles met with Jennings at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Washington, D.C. at the request of the White House.

Jennings provided comments on the role when approached. "I don’t have any comment about that," Jennings said when asked if he was interviewing for the press secretary job. He added perspective on the position's value.

"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," Jennings said. "The American people deserve somebody to go out there to tell them what’s going on with their president and with the government as much as they can," Jennings said. "That job is the conduit to transparency in front of the camera and also behind the scenes, and that’s an important part," Jennings said.

How Sources Differ

Reports vary on the status of Scott Jennings as a candidate. Primary source, and Scott Jennings has emerged as an early favorite or contender to replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary. Kalshi prediction market data indicates that Scott Jennings had a 30% chance of becoming White House press secretary on Kalshi, surpassing Alina Habba as the betting favorite.

Sources differ on the standing of Alina Habba. Kalshi prediction market data shows that Alina Habba had a 35% chance of becoming White House press secretary on the prediction market Kalshi before her post denying she was a candidate.

Reports present different metrics for Habba's current likelihood. Kalshi prediction market data notes that Alina Habba's odds of becoming White House press secretary on Kalshi dropped to 24% after she posted that she was not in the running.

Sources provide varying data on Anna Kelly.

Reports differ on the context of Leavitt's departure and market favorites. Primary source, and Karoline Leavitt is departing her position as White House press secretary at the end of August.

Sources present different information regarding Habba's initial odds.

Reports vary on Habba's updated odds.

Sources differ on Kelly's market position.