CNN’s most prominent right-leaning commentator stopped short of saying no when asked on primetime television whether he would consider replacing outgoing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Scott Jennings, 48, gave a careful “I don’t know” during the latest episode of NewsNight after being pressed about his interest in the high-profile White House role. He then praised Leavitt, 28, who announced Wednesday that she will leave the position at the end of August. “Karoline Leavitt has been maybe the greatest White House press secretary in the last 30 years, at least. She’s been nothing short of brilliant,” Jennings said later that evening. “I don’t know a single Republican in the country who isn’t in awe of and in appreciation of Karoline tonight. So Godspeed on your journey back to your family. You’ve done great stuff.” Washington Post foreign policy correspondent Josh Rogin, however, pushed for a clearer answer.
“Do you want the job or not?” Rogin asked. CNN commentator Bakari Sellers, who often sparrs with Jennings on the program, jumped in with a joking bit of reverse psychology aimed at a potentially watching Donald Trump. “Let me help, Scott. Democrats are afraid of Scott Jennings becoming press secretary! There you go. Now you’ve got the job.” The exchange drew laughter from the panel.
Jennings emerges as CNN contender
Jennings later posted the clip on X, adding fuel to speculation about his future. According to a Thursday report from The Daily Beast, he is considered a frontrunner to succeed Leavitt as White House press secretary. A staunch defender of Trump and a former adviser to George W. Bush, Jennings has been with CNN since 2017. His profile has grown significantly in recent years through frequent appearances on NewsNight, where he often serves as the conservative counterweight to host Abby Phillip. Last March, Status reported that Jennings was in the final stages of negotiating a new CNN contract.
Jennings seals new CNN contract
That deal reportedly came with a “hefty” pay increase. Jennings confirmed in an interview last month that he had signed the extension. In July, he also launched a nationally syndicated radio show with Salem. Speaking to the Strongsville GOP in November, Jennings said, “Well, I’m quite happy with CNN. In fact, I just re-signed with them.” He continued: “My contract was up, and they offered me a new contract, and I was happy to sign it. I’ll be honest with you, I think I was put on this earth to debate liberals. And CNN, right now, is where we’re doing it. I think that’s the highest and best use of my time in the media.”
