Scott Jennings held private meetings with Susie Wiles about possibly replacing Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary. The discussions came before Leavitt said she would step down to spend more time with her young family, and the selection process is now moving through several named contenders.
Leavitt is 28. Her exit would leave one of the White House’s most visible communications jobs open, and one source said Jennings could have it if he wants it, while another said he does.
Morton’s Meeting
Three sources familiar with the selection process told the Daily Mail that Jennings and Wiles met more than once, including a dinner over the weekend at Morton’s in D.C. The same sources said the two speak often.
Jennings was already described last week as the frontrunner to replace Leavitt. That report put his name ahead of the broader field and made the later meetings with Wiles the clearest sign yet that the White House was moving beyond a simple list of names.
Trump’s Podium Preference
Sources told the Daily Mail that Donald Trump would prefer to see another woman take the podium after Leavitt leaves. On that basis, the field now includes Natalie Harp, Alina Habba, Katie Zacharia, Tricia McLaughlin, Elizabeth Pipko, Roma Davari, Bill Pulte, Matthew Boyle and Steven Cheung.
Those names span White House aides, communications staff and outside allies, which means the choice is not just about one job opening. It also reflects who Trump wants speaking for him when the briefing room changes hands.
White House Denial
The White House denied that any meetings took place between Jennings and Wiles. That denial sits alongside the sources saying the two met at least once more, including the D.C. dinner, leaving the reported private talks at the center of the selection process.
For now, the practical question is whether Jennings is moving toward the job or whether the list stays open. The answer will matter most to the people already in line, because the role goes to one person and the rest remain in the field.
