Former South Carolina Democratic lawmaker Bakari Sellers recently made lighthearted remarks suggesting Democrats are “terrified” at the prospect of Scott Jennings stepping into the role of White House press secretary.
WASHINGTON, DC — Speculation has swirled across social media regarding who might succeed Karoline Leavitt as the next White House Press Secretary following her upcoming departure. Amid the online chatter, a narrative quickly spread claiming that Democrats are genuinely fearful of conservative commentator Scott Jennings taking over the position. Let’s take a closer look at the facts behind this viral statement.
Claim: Democrats are ‘afraid’ Scott Jennings could become the next WH Press Secretary
The rumor gained traction following a tongue-in-cheek comment made on Wednesday, August 12, by former South Carolina state Representative Bakari Sellers. During an appearance on ‘CNN NewsNight,’ Sellers joked to fellow CNN political commentator Scott Jennings and the rest of the panel, “Democrats are afraid of Scott Jennings becoming press secretary. There you go. Now you’ve got the job.”
Prompted by the remark, other panelists directly asked Jennings if he intended to take over for Karoline Leavitt, to which he initially replied, “No.”
Jennings brings a long history in conservative politics, having contributed to two presidential campaigns for George W. Bush and served as an adviser to Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). He has anchored his role as CNN’s premier conservative voice since 2017 and was previously mentioned as a potential candidate for the press secretary post following Donald Trump’s 2024 victory.
During the broadcast, Jennings also took a moment to commend Leavitt for stepping down to focus on her family. Leavitt recently returned from maternity leave following the birth of her second child in May.
Fact Check: The claim is misleading
The viral assertion is ultimately misleading. While Scott Jennings has occasionally surfaced in discussions regarding potential White House contenders, there is zero factual basis to support the idea that the Democratic Party as a whole is “afraid” of him filling the role.
The search for a successor began after Leavitt announced her departure by the end of the month to prioritize family time. The 28-year-old welcomed her second child with husband Nicholas Riccio in May.
Reflecting on her tenure during the CNN segment, Jennings offered high praise for the outgoing official. “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,” he remarked.
He concluded, “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 stuff.”