Another day passes and once again someone will have to be hired to fill an empty position at the White House for the administration of President Donald Trump. This time the latest ouster involves White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, who was just hired. Reports indicate that the move came at the behest of new Chief of Staff John Kelly.
Scaramucci latest White House ouster
On July 21, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer announced his resignation, being replaced by Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Then on July 27, Chief of Staff Reinus Priebus submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump.
The next day it was officially announced that Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly would be the new Chief of Staff, with today being his first day on the job. Priebus had the second-shortest term as non-interim Chief of Staff (188 days), as James Baker under served 150 days under President George H.W. Bush. However, Baker did serve for 1,476 days in the same position for President Ronald Reagan.
Shortest tenure as Communications Director
Anthony Scaramucci is now the shortest serving Communications Director in history, having held the job for 10 days. The position was created in 1969, with the previous shortest term being held by Jack Koehler (11 days) under President Reagan. In fact, not counting acting Communications Directors, Mike Dubke has the third shortest term (88 days) from March to June under President Donald Trump.
John Kelly exerts his influence and military style
The White House said in a statement that “Mr. Scaramucci felt it was best to give Chief of Staff John Kelly a clean slate.” However, it had previously been reported by a White House official that Mr.Kelly wanted Anthony Scaramucci removed for his role because Kelly did not think he was disciplined enough and had already lost credibly.
This makes sense as a retired Marine Corps general would likely not wanted to deal with someone like Scaramucci for long. Before becoming Trump's Chief of Staff, Kelly was previously appointed by Trump to be Secretary of Homeland Security.
He was also Commander of the United States Southern Command from November 2012 until January 2016.
Kelly enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970 and served in the Persian Gulf War and Iraq War. Some are hoping that with his disciplined military background, Kelly can tame the chaos that has been surrounding the Trump administration.
