---
title: "Scott Jennings leads race to replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/scott-jennings-leads-race-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-as-white-house-press-secre"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/scott-jennings-leads-race-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-as-white-house-press-secre"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/scott-jennings-leads-race-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-as-white-house-press-secre.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/scott-jennings-leads-race-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-as-white-house-press-secre"
category: "Politics"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-08-21T00:46:09.272Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-20T21:56:33.810Z"
updated: "2026-08-21T00:46:09.272Z"
trust_score: 78
critic_score: 65
hype_score: 35
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-21T01:37:34.599Z"
---

# Scott Jennings leads race to replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary

*Trump administration considers external candidates after Leavitt’s departure at month-end*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 78 of 100, higher is better. 31 digests agree Jennings is an early favorite; CNN report adds named sources and details.
- Craft 65 of 100, higher is better. Digests lack depth; CNN report quotes named officials and includes context.
- Hype 35 of 100, lower is better. Left and right digests use loaded language; CNN report is measured.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Scott Jennings, a CNN political commentator and former George W. Bush administration official, is the early favourite to replace outgoing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
- White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles met Jennings at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Washington, DC, at the request of the White House, though officials say no decision has been made.
- Jennings is one of several candidates under consideration, including Natalie Harp, a White House executive assistant, while Alina Habba has ruled herself out.
- Leavitt’s departure at the end of August leaves a vacancy ahead of the November midterms, with President Trump reportedly in no rush to fill it.

Scott Jennings has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. Leavitt, who announced her departure last week to spend more time with her family, will leave the role at the end of August. The White House is facing a vacancy less than three months before the midterm elections, though officials have stressed that the selection process is not being rushed.

Jennings, a CNN political contributor and longtime adviser to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, met with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Washington, DC. The meeting was arranged at the request of the White House, two sources told CNN. Jennings has not publicly confirmed whether he is seeking the position, telling CNN’s Abby Phillip on Wednesday that he had "no comment" when asked if he was interviewing for the job.

Other names have been floated as potential replacements. Natalie Harp, a White House executive assistant, has been mentioned by President Trump in private conversations, according to one source. Alina Habba, a former Trump lawyer, publicly ruled herself out of the running on Wednesday, posting on X that she was "not in the running for any job." The White House is reportedly looking for an external candidate who can maintain professionalism while serving as the administration’s public face.

## What the reports disagree on

The reports diverge on whether Jennings is actively campaigning for the role. CNN’s full report states that Jennings refused to say if he had been in contact with the White House about the job, while Raw Story’s digest claims Jennings has sent clips of himself to Trump’s inner circle in an effort to secure the position. The New York Post’s digest reports that some of Trump’s allies are trying to block Jennings’ candidacy due to his ties to McConnell.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated digests mentioned that Alina Habba publicly ruled herself out of the running for the press secretary position. None of the left-rated digests reported that some Trump allies are opposing Jennings’ candidacy due to his ties to McConnell. The centre-rated digests did not carry Jennings’ public defence of Natalie Harp or the internal White House concerns about his suitability for the role.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 40 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 15% (6)
- Centre: 32% (13)
- Right: 53% (21)

0 of 40 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-21T01:37:34.599Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 2 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-21T01:15:15.801Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The four left-rated digests led on Jennings’ public defence of Natalie Harp, a White House aide, as part of his bid for the press secretary role. The Independent’s digest noted that Jennings described Harp as "not the White House press secretary" and "not a household name" in a televised segment. Mediaite’s digest reported that Jennings sent clips of his defence of Harp to the White House, framing it as an effort to curry favour. Raw Story’s digest characterised Jennings as "desperate" and "itching for a job."
- CNN’s full report, the only left-rated article published in full, focused on the internal dynamics of the selection process. It quoted a senior White House official describing Jennings as "competent and good on TV," while another adviser questioned whether he could handle the behind-the-scenes work that made Leavitt effective. The report also noted that Wiles is seeking a "grown up" who understands the role’s demands.

### Centre

- The twelve centre-rated digests uniformly led on Jennings’ emergence as the early frontrunner, citing CNN’s reporting that multiple sources identified him as the favourite. The digests noted that the process is far from complete and that Wiles plans to meet with other candidates. None of the digests mentioned Jennings’ defence of Harp or the internal opposition to his candidacy reported by right-rated outlets.
- The digests also carried the White House’s insistence that no decision has been made, with one official quoted in CNN’s full report pushing back on the idea that Wiles is backing anyone at this stage. The reports highlighted that Trump is not rushing the process and is considering a rotating cast of Cabinet officials to handle briefings in the interim.

### Right

- The twelve right-rated digests emphasised opposition to Jennings within Trump’s base. The New York Post’s digest reported that some of Trump’s fiercest allies are trying to derail Jennings’ candidacy due to his longstanding ties to Mitch McConnell. Fox News and WABC’s digests led on a separate story: Republican criticism of Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff for comments about Natalie Harp, a cancer survivor and White House aide, which were labelled "sexist" and "misogynist."
- Several right-rated digests framed Jennings’ candidacy as part of a broader narrative about internal White House power struggles. Patriot Newsfeed’s digest stated that Jennings is being "pushed" by Wiles, while Zero Hedge’s digest led with the headline "The Harp Defense: Jennings Jockeys For SPOX After Leavitt Leaves," linking Jennings’ public defence of Harp to his pursuit of the job. None of the digests mentioned the White House’s search for a "grown up" or the concerns about Jennings’ ability to handle behind-the-scenes work.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 5
- mixed: 6
- high: 18
- unknown: 2
- veryHigh: 9

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [ussanews.com](https://ussanews.com/2026/08/20/the-harp-defense-jennings-jockeys-for-spox-after-leavitt-leaves) — The Harp Defense: Jennings Jockeys For SPOX After Leavitt Leaves
- [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2026/08/20/us-news/heres-why-maga-world-wants-anyone-but-scott-jennings-as-next-white-house-press-secretary) — Exclusive | Here’s why MAGA-world wants anyone but rumored frontrunner Scott Jennings as next WH press secretary
- [patriotnewsfeed.com](https://patriotnewsfeed.com/look-who-the-white-house-is-courting) — Look Who The White House Is Courting - Patriot Newsfeed
- [KVIA](https://kvia.com/news/noticias/cnn-spanish/2026/08/20/scott-jennings-surge-como-un-favorito-para-sustituir-a-karoline-leavitt-en-el-cargo-de-secretario-de-prensa-de-la-casa-blanca) — Scott Jennings Has Emerged as a Favorite to Replace Karoline Leavitt as White House Press Secretary.
- [Washington Examiner](https://washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4695048/scott-jennings-cnn-experience-press-secretary-sweepstakes) — CNN clashes built Scott Jennings for the White House briefing room
- [WABC](https://wabcradio.com/2026/08/20/scott-jennings-emerges-as-contender-to-replace-karoline-leavitt) — Scott Jennings Emerges As Contender To Replace Karoline Leavitt
- [Twitchy](https://twitchy.com/justmindy/2026/08/20/scott-jennings-abby-phillips-personal-space-reminder-he-stuck-up-for-her-n2431511) — Personal Space!: Scott Jennings Faces Screaming Matches and Double Standards on Abby Phillip’s Show
- [OK! Magazine](https://okmagazine.com/p/donald-trump-prefers-male-successor-replace-karoline-leavitt) — Donald Trump Prefers a Male Successor for Outgoing Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 'Not Quite Sold' on CNN's Scott Jennings: Source
- [Joe.My.God.](https://joemygod.com/2026/08/politico-scott-jennings-pitches-wh-for-leavitts-job) — Politico: Scott Jennings Pitches WH For Leavitt’s Job
- [KIFI](https://localnews8.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/08/20/scott-jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-but-process-is-just-beginning) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [KEYT](https://keyt.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/08/20/scott-jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-but-process-is-just-beginning) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [KESQ](https://kesq.com/news/national-politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/08/20/jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-leavitt-at-white-house-podium-but-process-is-just-beginning) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [KRDO](https://krdo.com/news/2026/08/20/jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-leavitt-at-white-house-podium-but-process-is-just-beginning) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [KVIA](https://kvia.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/08/20/jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-leavitt-at-white-house-podium-but-process-is-just-beginning) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [CNN](https://cnn.com/2026/08/20/politics/scott-jennings-white-house-press-secretary-process) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [KTEN](https://kten.com/news/politics/scott-jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-but-process-is-just-beginning/article_702818a9-1269-5095-ab27-63c38ac23393.html) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [Local 3 News](https://local3news.com/regional-national/scott-jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-but-process-is-just-beginning/article_c18dbd9a-4f16-5c11-bf89-37b300e78ffe.html) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [kioncentralcoast.com](https://kioncentralcoast.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/08/20/jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-leavitt-at-white-house-podium-but-process-is-just-beginning) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [WPSD Local 6](https://wpsdlocal6.com/scott-jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-but-process-is-just-beginning/article_935f977a-7c2d-58bc-9ac8-e8123b892820.html) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [WAOW](https://waow.com/news/scott-jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-but-process-is-just-beginning/article_019e5dc6-43df-54cd-b2c6-c19ba82c4d6b.html) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [WKOW](https://wkow.com/news/politics/scott-jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-but-process-is-just-beginning/article_d72283e6-1cff-5695-bcaa-fd40691081a4.html) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [Action News Now](https://actionnewsnow.com/news/scott-jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-karoline-leavitt-but-process-is-just-beginning/article_aacd850b-1dca-53c0-978d-53be10476163.html) — Scott Jennings emerges as early favorite to replace Karoline Leavitt but process is just beginning
- [TrendingPolitics](https://trendingpoliticsnews.com/just-in-scott-jennings-meets-privately-with-trump-admin-as-press-secretary-speculation-mounts-jrupp) — REPORT: CNN Analyst Meets Privately With Trump Admin As Press Secretary Speculation Mounts
- [News Addicts](https://newsaddicts.com/scott-jennings-engages-in-private-talks-with-trump-administration-amid-press-secretary-rumors) — Scott Jennings Engages in Private Talks with Trump Administration Amid Press Secretary Rumors
- [Raw Story](https://rawstory.com/natalie-harp-scott-jennings) — Desperate Scott Jennings resorts to sending White House clips of himself itching for a job
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/scott-jennings-susie-wiles-trump-natalie-harp-b3036407.html) — Scott Jennings makes public pitch for Leavitt’s job by defending Natalie Harp
- [Zero Hedge](https://zerohedge.com/political/harp-defense-jennings-jockeys-spox-after-leavitt-leaves) — The Harp Defense: Jennings Jockeys For SPOX After Leavitt Leaves
- [wfmd.com](https://wfmd.com/2026/08/20/dems-sexist-remark-against-cancer-survivor-provokes-republican-to-go-scorched-earth-guys-got-a-problem) — Dem’s ‘sexist’ remark against cancer survivor provokes Republican to go scorched earth: ‘Guy’s got a problem’
- [Fox News](https://foxnews.com/politics/dems-sexist-remark-against-cancer-survivor-provokes-republican-go-scorched-earth-guys-got-problem) — Dem’s ‘sexist’ remark against cancer survivor provokes Republican to go scorched earth: ‘Guy’s got a problem’
- [Political Wire](https://politicalwire.com/2026/08/20/scott-jennings-emerges-as-early-favorite-to-replace-leavitt) — Jennings Emerges as Early Favorite to Replace Leavitt
- [Raw Story](https://rawstory.com/scott-jennings-cnn-2677733998) — Scott Jennings' former student claims he knows how MAGA commentator really got his CNN gig
- [Komo News](https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/scott-jennings-pushing-for-white-house-press-secretary-job-report-karoline-leavitt-alina-habba-donald-trump) — Scott Jennings pushing for White House press secretary job: Report
- [The National Desk](https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/scott-jennings-pushing-for-white-house-press-secretary-job-report-karoline-leavitt-alina-habba-donald-trump) — Scott Jennings pushing for White House press secretary job: Report
- [abc 7 WJLA](https://wjla.com/news/nation-world/scott-jennings-pushing-for-white-house-press-secretary-job-report-karoline-leavitt-alina-habba-donald-trump) — Scott Jennings pushing for White House press secretary job: Report
- [KSNV](https://news3lv.com/news/nation-world/scott-jennings-pushing-for-white-house-press-secretary-job-report-karoline-leavitt-alina-habba-donald-trump) — Scott Jennings pushing for White House press secretary job: Report
- [WPEC](https://cbs12.com/news/nation-world/scott-jennings-pushing-for-white-house-press-secretary-job-report-karoline-leavitt-alina-habba-donald-trump) — Scott Jennings pushing for White House press secretary job: Report
- [KMPH](https://kmph.com/news/nation-world/scott-jennings-pushing-for-white-house-press-secretary-job-report-karoline-leavitt-alina-habba-donald-trump) — Scott Jennings pushing for White House press secretary job: Report
- [WSET](https://wset.com/news/nation-world/scott-jennings-pushing-for-white-house-press-secretary-job-report-karoline-leavitt-alina-habba-donald-trump) — Scott Jennings pushing for White House press secretary job: Report
- [WJAC](https://wjactv.com/news/nation-world/scott-jennings-pushing-for-white-house-press-secretary-job-report-karoline-leavitt-alina-habba-donald-trump) — Scott Jennings pushing for White House press secretary job: Report
- [KGAN](https://cbs2iowa.com/news/nation-world/scott-jennings-pushing-for-white-house-press-secretary-job-report-karoline-leavitt-alina-habba-donald-trump) — Scott Jennings pushing for White House press secretary job: Report
- [Mediaite](https://mediaite.com/media/news/scott-jennings-sent-his-natalie-harp-remarks-to-white-house-in-bid-to-succeed-leavitt-as-press-secretary-report) — Scott Jennings Sent His Natalie Harp Remarks to White House in Bid to Succeed Leavitt as Press Secretary: Report
- [Independent Journal Review](https://ijr.com/article/look-who-the-white-house-is-courting) — Look Who The White House Is Courting

## Questions

**Who is Scott Jennings?**

Scott Jennings is a CNN political contributor and former adviser to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. He served in the George W. Bush administration and is now the early frontrunner to replace outgoing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Jennings has not publicly confirmed whether he is seeking the role.

**Why is Karoline Leavitt leaving the White House?**

Karoline Leavitt announced she will leave her role as White House press secretary at the end of August to spend more time with her family. Her departure comes less than three months before the midterm elections, creating a vacancy in the administration’s communications team.

**Who else is being considered for the press secretary role?**

Other names floated for the role include Natalie Harp, a White House executive assistant, and Alina Habba, a former Trump lawyer. Habba publicly ruled herself out of the running on Wednesday. The White House is reportedly considering external candidates who can maintain professionalism in the role.

**What are the concerns about Scott Jennings’ candidacy?**

Some Trump advisers have questioned whether Jennings can handle the behind-the-scenes work that made Leavitt effective, according to CNN. Right-rated outlets report that some of Trump’s allies oppose Jennings due to his ties to Mitch McConnell. Jennings has not publicly addressed these concerns.

---

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