CNN Host Straight-Up Asks Scott Jennings If He Wants Karoline Leavitt’s Job

CNN NewsNight guest host Lulu Garcia-Navarro put conservative panelist Scott Jennings on the spot to ask if he wanted the role of President Donald Trump’s White House press secretary, which is now open after Karoline Leavitt’s departure.

The political world was rocked Wednesday by the surprise announcement that Leavitt will leave her post at the end of the month.

Trump confirmed her departure just weeks after Leavitt returned from maternity leave during which she gave birth to her second child.

Speculation is already swirling over who could replace Leavitt, with sources inside and close to the administration telling the New York Post that former acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba and Breitbart Washington Bureau Chief Matthew Boyle are among the early names floated for the role.

On CNN NewsNight, however, as the show closed out that night, Garcia-Navarro, in the hosting chair for the absent Abby Phillip, seized on the chance to press Jennings, the network’s resident conservative pundit and regular Trump defender, on whether he would pick up the mantle.

“Just briefly, Scott, who should replace Karoline Leavitt? Obviously she is stepping down. Who do you –” she began.

CNN political analyst Josh Rogin then blurted out: “Scott Jennings! Are you throwing your hat in the ring?”

“Yeah. Well, first of all, are you throwing your hat in the ring?” the host pivoted.

“Will you serve, Scott? Answer the question!” Rogin chimed in.

“I don’t know,” Jennings said.

He continued: “But I’ll tell you this, 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. She’s done it while raising a young family. I think it’s great that she’s going to go spend time with her family, but 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.”

“Do you want the job or not?” Rogin repeated.

Co-panelist Bakari Sellers jumped in, offering a take he hoped that Trump might seize on: “Let me help Scott!”

“Democrats are afraid of Scott Jennings becoming press secretary,” he declared, as laughter exploded across the panel.

“Now you got the job!” Sellers cracked.

Watch above via CNN.

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!