Kelly: Report of calling Trump ‘ idiot’ is ‘ total b. s.’
WASHINGTON — New details emerged on the rift between White House chief of staff John Kelly and President Donald Trump, with one former administration official saying Kelly privately called Trump “an idiot” last year.
Kelly’s insult to the president’s intelligence, confirmed to The Associated Press by the former official, came as his clashes with Trump over policy and personnel grew louder and more frequent. Kelly, who has cast himself as safeguarding the public from the president, has also threatened to quit the White House on several occasions.
Kelly’s disparaging remark was first reported Monday by NBC News. In a statement Monday, Kelly called the report “total b. s.” and characterized his relationship with Trump as “incredibly candid and strong.” He added of the president, “He always knows where I stand and he and I both know this story is total b. s.”
Trump appeared to react to the NBC report on Twitter on Monday evening. He tweeted: “The Fake News is going crazy making up false stories and using only unnamed sources ( who don’t exist).” He added: “The White House is running very smoothly.”
In recent months, Trump has chafed at Kelly’s management style, and has occasionally talked with friends about replacing him.
In his early days in the White House, Kelly imposed strict controls on access and the flow of information to Trump, though his direct influence has waned somewhat since then, aides said. Kelly allies insist he has merely trained the staff to follow his management protocols, but officials note that Trump has grown more willing to act unilaterally, ignoring or simply not seeking out the advice of his top aide.