Breaking news via President Donald Trump’s Twitter feed:
I am pleased to inform you that I have just named General/Secretary John F Kelly as White House Chief of Staff. He is a Great American….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2017
…and a Great Leader. John has also done a spectacular job at Homeland Security. He has been a true star of my Administration
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2017
I would like to thank Reince Priebus for his service and dedication to his country. We accomplished a lot together and I am proud of him!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2017
Updates…
He resigned yesterday?
"I resigned privately yesterday," Reince Priebus tells me.
— Michael C. Bender (@MichaelCBender) July 28, 2017
New: A source close to now former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus says he resigned privately yesterday
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) July 28, 2017
Vice President Pence responds:
Well said, Mr. President. Grateful to Reince for his friendship and service to America. He's been a huge part of our success! https://t.co/xHEevgjbo4
— Vice President Pence (@VP) July 28, 2017
Apparently Priebus heard the news on Air Force One while flying back from Long Island:
Priebus is in this van on tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, as Potus has not yet disembarked. Driver pulled van away as press moved toward it pic.twitter.com/mlrV2s3U8P
— David Nakamura (@DavidNakamura) July 28, 2017
Meanwhile, this aide has been holding umbrella outside door of AF1 waiting for Potus for 10 min now. pic.twitter.com/JPDJZynWJF
— David Nakamura (@DavidNakamura) July 28, 2017
Potus addressed pool on tarmac about Priebus and Kelly
— David Nakamura (@DavidNakamura) July 28, 2017
Potus remarks on Priebus be Kelly pic.twitter.com/zwir3vZqgD
— David Nakamura (@DavidNakamura) July 28, 2017
Kushner/Bannon approve:
Kushner and Bannon both really like Kelly, which made the decision easier. Someone who has appeal to the two main blocs in WH…
— Robert Costa (@costareports) July 28, 2017
KELLY is seen by Kushner, Bannon and Miller as most reliable Cabinet officer, someone who has been "no drama" since Day 1…
— Robert Costa (@costareports) July 28, 2017
And Kelly is reportedly liked by H.R. McMaster and Dina Powell:
Also important to note, sources add, that Kelly is well liked by McMaster/Powell. Seen as stable force on NSC front, too.
— Robert Costa (@costareports) July 28, 2017
So, who takes over at DHS?
This is also going to tee up a brutal confirmation fight for Kelly's successor, particularly over Trump admin's immigration policies
— Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) July 28, 2017
Editor’s note: This post has been updated.
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