Scaramucci: already trying to do the fandango with the press
Anthony Scaramucci, the new White House communications director, is one of Donald Trump’s slickest defenders, but not someone known for his press relations skills.
The New Yorker, 53, made a name for himself as a financier, working first for Goldman Sachs and then setting up a wealth management firm.
In 2005, he started SkyBridge Capital, a global alternative investment firm which was to make his multimillion dollar fortune.
He also began appearing on television as a pundit, hosting his own show, Wall Street Week.
In 2008, he was a fundraiser for the future president, Barack Obama, and for the Democrats.
The two men were Harvard Law School classmates who played basketball together. He once said that Mr Obama has “the best smile in US politics since Jack Kennedy”. But between the 2008 and 2012 elections, he became critical of Mr Obama’s Wall Street policies. By 2012, he had joined Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s finance team.
He was also a fundraiser for Mr Trump during the 2016 election, and became a strident defender. In January, he was reportedly in talks for a White House role, in the Office of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs. That never materialised, amid concerns about his business dealings and Mr Scaramucci was open about his disappointment. He sold his business to a Chinese consortium. Six months later, with Sean Spicer struggling, Mr Scaramucci seized his moment.
On July 21, he was appointed communications director, taking over from Mike Dubke, who resigned in May. Mr Spicer immediately handed in his notice. On his first day, Mr Scaramucci called Mr Spicer “a true American patriot” and added: “I hope he goes on to make a tremendous amount of money.”
He set out to win over the press, blowing a kiss to journalists, and added: “I love the president.” He also expressed admiration for Reince Priebus, the White House chief of staff, and Steve Bannon, the chief strategist, both said to have vehemently opposed his appointment.