Steve Bannon, the controversial White House chief strategist, is leaving President Donald Trump’s administration according to reports from multiple news organizations. The New York Times, citing two administration officials, reported that Trump told senior aides that he has decided to remove Bannon.
ABC News reported on the other hand that Bannon has resigned as WH chief strategist and his resignation was effective August 14 according to a source close to Bannon. The BBC is also reporting that Bannon is to exit the White House following a review of his position by WH Chief of Staff John Kelly.
In a statement to ABC News, WH press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed Steve Bannon’s departure saying that Gen. Kelly and Bannon “have mutually agreed today (Friday) would be Steve’s last day.”
Charlottesville violence increased demand for Bannon’s removal
Bannon’s exit comes amid the heavy criticism Donald Trump is facing after his insistence on blaming “both sides” for the violence that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia, which resulted in the death of one person.
In light of the event, demands from human rights activists for the removal of “nationalists working in the West Wing” have become louder. These calls were seen to target the hard-right populists in the White House led by Bannon.
The president, however, defended Bannon saying he is not a racist and a good man.
On going conflict with WH top officials
A senior White House official has said that the President had grown increasingly frustrated with the WH chief strategist as he continued to clash with almost every top official in the administration.
Among those, Bannon is reported to be in conflict with are Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, and senior aide, Lt.
Gen. H.R. McMaster, national security adviser, and Gen. John Kelly, WH Chief of Staff.
Bannon’s conflict with McMaster reportedly has made Gen. Kelly weary. McMaster was said to be one who moved for the removal of Bannon from the National Security Council.
Steve Bannon is widely credited to have helped Trump’s successful campaign for the US presidency.
Seen as a right-wing nationalist, Bannon was considered to have helped shape the "America First" message of Trump's election campaign.
Kelly’s predecessor, Reince Priebus was an ally of Bannon, however, Priebus was forced to leave last July. Bannon's departure is considered a victory for Gen. Kelly, who was installed as WH Chief of Staff partly to organize what was viewed as a chaotic environment among the staff.
