Politics

Ben Ferguson Leads Polls as Trump’s Next Press Secretary Candidate

By Ravi Hari

Conservative commentator Ben Ferguson is the top contender to become President Donald Trump’s next White House press secretary, according to the prediction market platform Kalshi. Kalshi’s market assigns Ferguson a 25% chance, ahead of former deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley at 17%, CNN commentator Scott Jennings at 9%, and Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly at 7%. Ferguson hosts the nationally syndicated radio program The Ben Ferguson Show and appears regularly as a political commentator on CNN.

Trump has not yet announced a decision, but several candidates are reportedly under consideration. Fox News Digital reported that administration insiders have recommended Ferguson, noting that the president is inclined to appoint a man to the role. A source close to Trump told the outlet that Ferguson’s name has been brought up frequently and that Trump’s instincts favor a male candidate. Another person familiar with the matter confirmed that Ferguson is among the frontrunners.

A senior White House official praised Ferguson as one of Trump’s strongest supporters and highlighted his willingness to defend the president’s policies in media appearances. Another official described him as a skilled and talented commentator.

Other names being considered include CNN contributor Scott Jennings, who frequently appears on CNN’s NewsNight with Abby Phillip and previously worked in the George W. Bush administration; White House Communications Director Steven Cheung; Breitbart chief Matthew Boyle; and Ari Fleischer, who served as press secretary during Bush’s first term.

The White House has been without a press secretary since Katie Zacharia left the position on October 13, after a brief and controversial tenure. Zacharia had replaced Karoline Leavitt, who resigned in August after returning from maternity leave.