Hire ’em, fire ’em

Notable White House departures

Rex Tillerson

Secretary of state, Feb 2017-Mar 2018. Mr Tillerson was part of the original “Axis of Adults” who attempted to curb Mr 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, Feb 2017-Apr 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 Mr Trump bristled at his formal briefing style and willingness to push back. His departure led to Mr Bolton’s appointment.

Mr Trump allegedly used to do derogatory impressions of Mr Mcmaster’s formal style and mocked his poor taste in suits.

Jim Mattis

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

John Kelly

White House chief of staff, July 2017-Jan 2019.

The retired US Marine Corps general was recruited to bring discipline to the White House but his relationship with Mr Trump became increasingly strained. As he listened to an address Mr Trump gave to the UN General Assembly, Mr Kelly was seen with his head in his hands.