'Somebody needs to defend her honor': Scott Jennings takes aim at Natalie Harp critics
WASHINGTON, DC: CNN commentator Scott Jennings sharply defended White House aide Natalie Harp, declaring that “somebody needs to defend her honor” as officials consider Karoline Leavitt’s replacement for the press secretary post.
Jennings’ comments came as Trump allies weigh possible successors to Leavitt, with Jennings reportedly drawing interest from the president.
Jennings met with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles this past weekend, Politico reported on Thursday, August 20, during the replacement discussions.
Scott Jennings makes his defense of Natalie Harp explicit
Jennings told Politico, in a report published on Thursday, that he didn’t have “anything to say” about whether he wanted to become Trump’s next press secretary, but said he felt compelled to defend Harp after Democratic Sen Jon Ossoff made remarks about her relationship with Trump.
Ossoff told supporters on Sunday that Trump “wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie” rather than “do the job” of president.
Jennings rejected that characterization, saying Harp had not put her name on a ballot.
Ossoff: While the sailors on the Lincoln fight his war, while he fruitlessly drains our munitions and oil reserves, the president sleeps through his meetings. He golfs and trades stocks. So he doesn’t want to do the job. He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on… pic.twitter.com/6KqephHAd3
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 16, 2026
“I just don’t think that’s what you sign up for when you’re someone like Natalie Harp, who never put her name on a ballot,” Jennings said. “She’s not the White House press secretary. She’s not a household name, and I just find it to be appalling.”
“Somebody needs to defend her honor,” Jennings added.
The outlet reported that Jennings has also sent video clips to senior administration staffers showing him attacking Ossoff over the Georgia Democrat’s remarks.
Scott Jennings has met with Trump's chief of staff
The defense came alongside a private meeting that has placed Jennings in the conversation over Leavitt’s replacement. The outlet reported that he arranged a sit-down with Wiles this past weekend.
Jennings has not publicly said he wants the job, while Trump has been calling allies to ask what they think about selecting Jennings, as per the report.
Notus reported on Wednesday night that Trump has told close advisers he wanted a male press secretary after four women held the position following Sean Spicer’s brief tenure at the start of Trump’s first term.
Trump has expressed interest in Jennings, Notus reported, while other men are also being considered, including Ari Fleischer, who served as press secretary under President George W Bush.
Natalie Harp's role has drawn attention
Harp is a former far-right cable TV host and former Trump campaign staffer.
The New York Times previously reported that she wrote letters to Trump that included the line, “You are all that matters to me.”
Politico also reported that Harp was among three aides who secretly flew with Trump from Turkey to the United Kingdom last month after Trump was snuck off Air Force One in a catering container.
A White House official reportedly said Trump has privately acknowledged Harp’s dedication to serving him, adding, “[Trump] jokes that if Natalie were to ever leave, he’d have to hire 10 people to replace her.”
