Pat Sajak ‘Trying to Elbow’ Vanna White Aside, Vying for Daughter to Become His ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Replacement

Pat Sajak announced that he is retiring as Wheel of Fortune host after more than 40 years, leaving his position open for a newcomer to step in next year.

Fans of the trivia show are pleading for mainstay Vanna White to take the reins, but insiders claimed just a few months ago that Sajak has a different game plan, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned.

It was said that his daughter, 28-year-old Maggie, was brought in for “extended fill-ins” and “to show her off” as he pushes for her to become his replacement.

Maggie joined the show in 2021 as a “social correspondent” and she’s become more of a regular fixture in the months since, joining her father and White for a parting message at the end of a December 27 segment.

Pat’s hinted he may retire when his contract expires in 2024 and clearly, he wants Maggie to carry on,” an insider spilled back in January. “Behind-the-scenes, it’s turned into an all-out war. Pat’s trying to elbow her aside to make room for Maggie.”

Meanwhile, those close to White were allegedly shocked by his “blatant disregard for her seniority” considering that she has been the show’s regular letter tuner for decades.

The tipster blabbed, “Everyone’s bracing themselves for battle.”

After his announcement, viewers are already casting their votes for Sajak’s replacement with several campaigning for White.

A third tweeted that White has proven herself “as a substitute host, everybody loves her and she can provide smooth, unbroken continuity.”

It seems she may have more competition as a Bloomberg report claimed that Ryan Seacrest is among the candidates being considered for the role.

In a swirl of controversy surrounding America’s most beloved game show, Wheel of Fortune, longtime host Pat Sajak is now facing speculation that he’s trying to clear a path for his daughter, Maggie Sajak, to take over the iconic role—possibly at the expense of his longtime co-host, Vanna White.

Pat Sajak officially retired from Wheel of Fortune in 2024, after hosting the show for over four decades. As fans said their tearful goodbyes and praised his legacy, there was a lingering question: Who would carry the torch next?

ABC quickly announced that Ryan Seacrest would step in as the main host beginning with the 2024–2025 season, and Vanna White—who had been by Sajak’s side since 1982—was confirmed to remain on board. However, behind the scenes, rumors began swirling that Pat Sajak wasn’t ready to completely step away—and that he had other plans.

👩‍🦰 The Maggie Sajak Question

Maggie Sajak, 29, has been slowly stepping into the Wheel of Fortune spotlight over the past few years. Initially serving as the show’s social media correspondent, she gradually gained on-camera time and even filled in for Vanna White once when she was absent.

Now, insiders say Pat has been quietly pushing producers to consider Maggie as a full-time co-host, potentially in Vanna’s spot—or even alongside Ryan Seacrest in a restructured format. This has sparked backlash among loyal fans and TV insiders alike, many of whom see it as a betrayal of Vanna’s decades of dedication.

“It’s being seen as a power move,” a source close to production told TVLine. “Pat wants to keep the Sajak name alive on the show, and Maggie is the obvious choice. But doing it at the cost of Vanna? That’s not sitting well with everyone.”

⚖️ Vanna White’s Role in Question

Although Vanna White extended her contract to stay through at least the 2025 season, some reports suggest she is increasingly being sidelined in promotional materials and scheduling. In contrast, Maggie’s profile continues to rise, with more public appearances and behind-the-scenes footage being released featuring her.

Some fans have voiced concern that Vanna may be subtly pushed out to make room for a Sajak legacy. “It’s starting to feel like they’re phasing Vanna out,” one longtime viewer commented online. “It’s disrespectful. She’s as much a part of the show as Pat ever was.”

White herself has not commented publicly on the rumors, but observers say her body language in recent appearances seems more reserved, even distant—though that could just be speculation fueled by the internet storm.

🎭 Family or Favoritism?

While many agree that Maggie Sajak is polished, professional, and charming, critics argue that her rapid rise within the franchise is due more to her last name than her talent.

“Let’s be real,” said one television critic. “If her name were Maggie Smith instead of Maggie Sajak, would she be in the running at all?”

Still, others support the idea, saying that having a second-generation Sajak could honor the show’s history while introducing a fresh face to younger audiences.

🔮 What’s Next for Wheel?

With Ryan Seacrest’s future on the show recently thrown into uncertainty due to reported family matters, the timing of the Maggie vs. Vanna conversation is more complicated than ever. If Seacrest were to leave or take a hiatus, the producers could face a major reshuffle—and Pat Sajak may see that as the perfect opportunity to push his daughter into a leading role.

As for Vanna White, many fans hope she’s given the respect and recognition she deserves—and that decisions aren’t made solely on family ties.