CNN political commentator Scott Jennings has declined to rule himself out as a potential successor to outgoing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, fueling speculation that he could eventually leave the television studio for the White House briefing room.
The 48-year-old conservative commentator was pressed about the possibility during an Aug. 13 appearance on CNN’s The Source with host Kaitlan Collins.
Jennings Gives a Playful Response to Collins
Collins directly asked Jennings whether he had heard from the White House after his name began circulating as a possible candidate for the vacancy.
Rather than offering a firm denial, Jennings joked about the prospect of working alongside Collins every day.
“I would get to see you everyday,” he told the host, suggesting that Collins should be pleased by the possibility.
Collins quickly reminded him that they already work together regularly. Jennings responded that they currently cross paths only once or twice a week.
He then continued the teasing exchange, asking Collins to imagine seeing him at work every day.
Collins Points Out the Obvious
Jennings’ playful response immediately drew attention because he did not definitively reject the possibility.
“That’s not a no,” Collins observed.
The exchange provided fresh fuel for speculation surrounding Jennings, who has emerged as one of CNN’s most prominent conservative voices.
Earlier Remarks Added to the Rumors
The speculation had already surfaced a day earlier during CNN’s NewsNight, when former Democratic South Carolina state Representative Bakari Sellers suggested that Democrats would be concerned if Jennings were selected for the position.
Sellers jokingly told Jennings that Democrats were afraid of him becoming press secretary before declaring that he had effectively landed the job.
Jennings initially answered “No” when asked whether he would replace Leavitt, but later offered a more ambiguous response.
“I don’t know,” he said, while praising Leavitt’s tenure as press secretary.
Jennings Praises Leavitt’s Tenure
Rather than criticizing the departing press secretary, Jennings described Leavitt as potentially one of the strongest White House press secretaries of the past three decades.
He called her tenure “nothing short of brilliant,” adding to the positive assessment of the official whose departure has prompted speculation over who will take her place.
Jennings has significant political experience that could make him a plausible candidate. He previously worked on two George W. Bush presidential campaigns and served as an adviser to former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell before becoming a senior political commentator and contributor at CNN.
Leavitt Announces Departure From White House
The speculation began shortly after President Donald Trump announced that Leavitt would leave her position at the end of August.
Trump said Leavitt was departing so she could spend more time with her young children and family, adding that he understood and respected her decision.
Leavitt later confirmed the decision, describing her time in the administration as an extraordinary experience.
She said the birth of her daughter, Viviana, in May ultimately played a major role in her decision to step away from the demanding White House position.
Jennings’ Next Move Remains Unclear
For now, there is no confirmation that Jennings has been offered the position or that he is under formal consideration by the White House.
His refusal to completely shut down the speculation, however, has ensured that the possibility remains a talking point in Washington and on CNN.
Whether the conservative commentator was simply joking with Collins or deliberately keeping the door open remains unclear.
