By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-13 21:28:40 | Updated at 2026-08-13 23:24:12
5 hours ago
CNN's most right-leaning star did not rule out replacing outgoing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt when prodded about his interest on primetime TV.
Scott Jennings, 48, coyly said 'I don't know' when asked if he'd take the job on the latest edition of NewsNight.
He went on to compliment Leavitt, 28, who announced she is vacating her role at the end of August on Wednesday.
'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 hours later.
'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 wasn't having it.
'Do you want the job or not?' he asked.
Scott Jennings, 48, coyly told the world 'I don't know' when asked whether he'd be interested in becoming the new White House press secretary by fill-in NewsNight host Lulu Garcia-Navarro on Wednesday night
Leavitt, 28, is vacating her role at the end of August to spend more time with her family, she announced earlier in the day. She is the youngest White House press secretary in history
CNN pundit Bakari Sellers, usually Jennings' foil on the broadcast, interjected with some reverse psychology to sway 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 moment was met with laughter.
Jennings, who shared the exchange on X, is a frontrunner to take over the position, according to a Thursday report from The Daily Beast.
Jennings is a staunch Trump defender and a former George W Bush advisor. He's worked at CNN since 2017.
He has seen his star rise in recent years thanks to regular appearances on NewsNight.
Often a conservative foil to host Abby Phillip, Jennings was in the final stages of contract renewal talks with CNN last March, Status reported at the time.
Jennings did not put to bed the speculation, which was stoked by fellow panelist Bakari Sellers
Jennings - a former George W. Bush aide - is a frontrunner to take over the position, according to a new report
It reportedly saw him handed a 'hefty' pay raise.
Jennings confirmed he signed the extension during an interview last month.
He launched a nationally syndicated radio show with Salem in July.
He told Strongsville GOP in November: 'Well, I’m quite happy with CNN. In fact, I just re-signed with them.'
He added: '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.'
