Trump Considers CNN’s Scott Jennings to Replace Karoline Leavitt as Press Secretary

A fast-moving search for a new White House press secretary now centers on CNN commentator Scott Jennings, but President Trump has not made a final pick, according to multiple reports.

Story Snapshot

Karoline Leavitt is stepping down as White House press secretary at the end of August.
Reports say President Trump is considering CNN’s Scott Jennings for the role.
Jennings worked in the George W. Bush White House and is a known Trump defender on air.
No official decision has been announced, and some reporting says Trump is not yet sold.

Leavitt’s Exit Sets Up a High-Stakes Vacancy

Karoline Leavitt announced she will leave her post to focus on her family, creating an opening at the podium as August ends. USA Today reported that her departure was expected by the end of the month, which set off a quick round of succession chatter. The timing matters. The administration faces intense scrutiny on the economy, border enforcement, and foreign challenges. The press secretary shapes those daily messages. Any handoff will affect how the White House explains its agenda.

People magazine described Leavitt’s move as voluntary and family-driven, not a clash with leadership. That framing signals stability during the transition. Still, the job is demanding and central. Reporters press for clear answers on rising prices, energy policy, and public safety. Voters across the spectrum often feel Washington avoids straight talk. A capable press secretary can reduce confusion by setting facts early and correcting spin fast. That is why the shortlist is drawing wide attention.

Scott Jennings Emerges as a Contender

USA Today and CNN both reported that Scott Jennings is among the names under consideration to replace Leavitt. NOTUS added that Trump has shown interest in Jennings, while also reporting that the president has not settled on a final choice. Jennings is a conservative commentator who often defends Trump on CNN. He also served in the George W. Bush White House, which bolsters his credibility for a political communications role. That mix makes him a plausible candidate.

Jennings did not firmly shut the door when asked on television if he would take the job. People reported that he first said “No,” then later said, “I don’t know,” when pressed about replacing Leavitt. Courthouse News said he did not answer directly when asked if he would accept the role if offered. Those answers show the conversation is active. They do not confirm an offer. Public hesitation is common in such moments, as candidates weigh family, pay, and the pressure of a national stage.

Why This Role Draws Media Veterans

Modern press secretaries often come from television or high-visibility media roles. Past examples include Tony Snow under President George W. Bush and Kayleigh McEnany during Trump’s first term. Both moved from media work to the podium, and both were chosen for their broadcast skill and message discipline. The job rewards people who can think on their feet, explain complex issues in plain words, and handle tough questions.

2/ outgoing press secretary, according to two sources familiar with the conversations. Leavitt plans to depart the White House at the end of the month.”

“Trump has signaled interest in Scott Jennings, a conservative media pundit who has been widely…

— ˶˃ News Reader Cat 📰🗞️NO DMs˂˶ (@typocatCAv2) August 20, 2026

CNN’s report listing potential replacements places Jennings in a familiar pipeline from commentator to spokesperson. That path crosses party lines. Presidents value trusted messengers who can manage conflict on camera. In a polarized time, the briefing room is often the public face of the administration’s fight with Congress, the press, and interest groups. A seasoned communicator can keep focus on policy goals and avoid unforced errors that feed the outrage cycle.

The Open Questions—and What Matters to Voters

NOTUS says Trump is not yet sold on choosing Jennings, and no official announcement has named a successor. That leaves room for other contenders and internal debate about the best fit. The next press secretary will have to address concerns that reach beyond party lines: the cost of living, the gap between the powerful and everyone else, and whether government listens. Clear, steady briefings can help restore some trust by laying out facts and owning mistakes when they happen.

USA Today’s reporting shows the White House is moving toward a decision while testing names in the press. That is standard Washington practice. But the stakes are higher now because many Americans think the system favors insiders. Whether Trump taps Jennings or someone else, the choice will signal how the administration plans to talk to the country. The right pick could make daily briefings sharper and more honest. The wrong one could deepen the divide.