Ben Ferguson has risen on Donald Trump’s shortlist for White House press secretary, according to Fox News reporting cited by the Western Journal. But unnamed sources also told Fox News that “POTUS is not sold on the idea.”
Sources say Ferguson is a frontrunner—yet not a lock
One source told Fox News that Trump views Ferguson as a front-runner and that “[Ferguson’s] name has been brought up to the president by many people.” Another source added that Trump’s “instincts are to pick a man,” calling that “a good idea,” according to the Western Journal’s account of the Fox News report.
At the same time, a source told Fox News, “I think it’s safe to say [Ferguson is] pursuing the job, and the president is aware,” but reiterated that “POTUS is not sold on the idea.”
Backers inside the administration, per report
A senior Trump administration official praised Ferguson’s combative media style, telling Fox News, as quoted by the Western Journal: “Ben is one of loudest supporters of President Trump in the 21st century. While many supporters don’t have the courage to take to the fake news, Ben consistently walks into the lion’s den and faces the media bias head-on.” The official added, “His resumé and experience are exactly what the administration will need when they face a Congress hell-bent on dismantling our efforts to Make America Great Again.”
What a Ferguson pick would signal
The Western Journal noted that if chosen, Ferguson would be the first man to lead the White House press operation since Sean Spicer early in Trump’s first term.
Other names in the mix
Conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings is also under consideration, according to Fox News sources cited by the Western Journal. “The president keeps going back and forth on Scott Jennings,” one source said. “I don’t think it will happen.”
The vacancy and a joking aside
The Western Journal reported the press secretary role has been vacant since Katie Zacharia’s brief tenure. The outlet also noted Trump said “I was sort of kidding” after publicly floating UFC President Dana White for the job, describing that mention as a joke.
Who is Ben Ferguson?
The Western Journal described Ferguson, 45, as a commentator, radio host, and conservative author who frequently appears on CNN.
