Trump Sacks Media Chief in ‘Clean Slate’
Anthony Scaramucci had controversially unleashed a string of profane criticism about White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, who stood down from his role this week, and Trump strategist Steven Bannon, to a New Yorker magazine reporter.
His removal came some 10 days after Donald Trump appointed him. The New York
Times reported the move citing three unidentified people close to the decision. The White House confirmed the move saying it was to give new chief of staff, retired General John Kelly, a “clean slate”. The brief, three-sentence statement from the White House press secretary said: “Anthony Scaramucci will be leaving his role as White House Communications Director. Mr. Scaramucci felt it was best to give Chief of Staff John Kelly a clean slate and the ability to build his own team. We wish him all the best.”
News of Mr Scaramucci’s removal came hours after the president swore in General Kelly, who according to a senior White House official had been hired with the goal of bringing more discipline to the White House.
RNZ Washington correspondent Simon Marks said it was apparent General Kelly had made Mr Scaramucci’s departure from the White House a condition for him to take the job as chief of staff. Politico reported the dismissal had come at the request of General Kelly, citing two unidentified White House officials.
It was unclear whether Mr Scaramucci had been fired from the White House or simply removed from the communications position. Mr Scaramucci is the third White House communications director to leave the post. Mike Dubke left in late May about three months after being hired to revamp the White House media strategy.
Sean Spicer, the former White House press secretary, who had taken on some of the communications director role, quit when Mr Scaramucci was hired.