Embattled Sean Spicer resigns as White House press secretary
Exit reportedly linked to Trump’s appointment of new comms chief
White House press secretary Sean Spicer, US president Donald Trump’s embattled spokesman during the first six months of his time in office, has quit his role – apparently in protest at the appointment of a new communications director.
Mr Spicer’s daily press briefings during the early stages of Mr Trump’s presidency became must-see television until recent weeks when he took on a more behind-thescenes role.
Deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has largely taken over the briefings, who has banned them from being filmed.
Mr Spicer said he chose to resign from his position to give Anthony Scaramucci, the New York financier appointed White House communications director, a fresh start.
Mr Spicer said we’re at the point where the president “could benefit from a clean slate”, adding that he felt it would be best for Mr Scaramucci to be able to build his own operation “and chart a new way forward”.
Mr Spicer also complimented Mr Scaramucci, who was a staple at Trump Tower during the president’s transition.
Mr Spicer said of Mr Scaramucci: “It’ll be great, he’s a tough guy.”
The departing press chief said it has been “an honour” and “privilege” to serve Mr Trump and the country.
Mr Spicer spent several years leading communications at the Republican National Committee (RNC) before helping Mr Trump’s campaign in the presidential election.
He is close to White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, the former RNC chairman, and several of the lowerranking aides in the White House communications department.
Mr Scaramucci is expected to play a visible role as one of Mr Trump’s defenders on television.
But Mr Spicer and other officials questioned his hiring as communications director ahead of the president’s push to overhaul the tax system and other policy issues.
One of the officials said Mr Spicer objected to Mr Trump’s vision for the future of the press operation.
On Mr Trump’s first full day in office, Mr Spicer lambasted journalists over coverage of the crowd size at the inauguration and stormed out of the briefing room without answering questions.
His fiery demeanour and tense on-camera exchanges were mocked on TV show Saturday Night Live, with the role of Mr Spicer being played by actress Melissa Mccarthy.
Ms Sanders has now been promoted to press secretary.
Mr Trump said in a statement read by Ms Sanders that he is “grateful” for departing press secretary Sean Spicer’s “work on behalf of my administration and the American people”. He added: “Just look at his great television ratings!” Mr Scaramucci also addressed reporters at the White House yesterday.
He called Mr Spicer “a true American patriot” and said he hopes the departing press secretary “goes on to make a tremendous amount of money”.