A MAGA commentator discussed taking over as White House press secretary with chief of staff Susie Wiles in secret meetings – even before Karoline Leavitt's departure was even publicly announced, new reports show.
Scott Jennings, one of CNN's most prominent defenders of President Donald Trump, has emerged as the 28-year-old Leavitt's most likely successor, but three sources familiar with the selection process told The Daily Mail that he has met with Wiles at least one more time since their initial conversation about the job.
The two now "speak often," the publication reported, and one source told the outlet the job is "his if he wants it," adding, "he does."
Jennings, who is a columnist for The Daily Mail, has declined to publicly confirm interest in the role since the Daily Beast first reported the opening, but has ramped up media appearances that suggest otherwise.
His most recent meeting with Wiles reportedly took place over the weekend at Morton's steakhouse near the White House, while other contenders for the job vied for Trump's attention at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
"They were all trying to get in front of him this weekend," one source said. "It was like 'The Apprentice.' It reeks of desperation."
The White House has denied that any meetings between Jennings and Wiles took place. Jennings previously served as a senior aide in the George W. Bush administration and as an adviser to Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
Despite Wiles' reported backing, sources told the Mail the decision isn't final, and Trump has indicated he'd prefer another woman fill the role.
Aide Natalie Harp, 35, whose closeness to Trump has drawn scrutiny in recent months, is reportedly vying for the job, the outlet reported, along with former Trump attorney Alina Habba, current DHS press secretary Katie Zacharia, her predecessor Tricia McLaughlin, RNC spokesperson Elizabeth Pipko, and former Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Davari.
Other reported candidates include Housing and Urban Development chief Bill Pulte, Breitbart's D.C. bureau chief Matthew Boyle, and White House Communications Director Steven Cheung.