Notable White House departures

■ Rex Tillerson, secretary of state, February 2017-March 2018. Tillerson was part of the original ‘‘Axis of Adults’’ who attempted to curb Trump’s foreign policy instincts. Most notably opposed scrapping the Iran nuclear deal. He was forced out, dismissed via tweet after failing to deny calling the president a ‘‘f ...... moron’’.

■ HR Mcmaster, national security adviser, February 2017-April 2018. Given the role in the second month of the Trump presidency after Michael Flynn’s resignation, his military style was meant to help bring order. But Trump bristled at his formal briefing style and willingness to push back. His departure led to Bolton’s appointment. Trump allegedly used to do derogatory impressions of Mcmaster’s formal style and mocked his poor taste in suits.

■ Jim Mattis, defence secretary, January 2017-January 2019. Trump was originally won over by Mattis’ ‘‘central casting’’ looks and demeanour, given his long military career. But in office, he repeatedly urged Trump to stick with America’s allies. The president’s sudden announcement the US would withdraw from Syria prompted his resignation. Mattis has refused to explicitly criticise Trump since leaving, despite doing a round of interviews promoting his new book.

■ John Kelly, White House chief of staff, July 2017-January 2019. The retired US Marine Corps general was recruited to bring discipline to the White House but his relationship with Trump became increasingly strained. As he listened to an address by Trump to the UN General Assembly, Kelly was seen with his head in his hands.