Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on Thursday that Scott Jennings has become an early front‑runner after a reported meeting with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles at Mastro’s Steakhouse and internal attention to his TV appearances.
- Jennings helped promote his candidacy by circulating clips of him defending White House aide Natalie Harp, and some staffers say those moments show he performs well on camera.
- Several administration officials warned that the press secretary’s work is mostly off camera and questioned whether a longtime CNN contributor who earns substantially more in media would take on the behind‑the‑scenes tasks.
- Karoline Leavitt is scheduled to leave at the end of August, which has compressed vetting and pushed the White House to consider rapid short‑lists or rotating briefers while a final choice is made.
- Coverage differs on Jennings’ prospects with some outlets noting support from Wiles and the president and others reporting resistance from MAGA loyalists over his ties to Senator Mitch McConnell, a split that could shape how quickly the White House finalizes a hire and how the role affects midterm messaging.