In news that many were hoping would come true, former Breitbart News CEO Steve Bannon is out as Chief Strategist in the White House. Within minutes of the news becoming public, the story went viral on social media with even some top celebrities speaking out.
Bannon, out
During the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump was forced to make a major move. Paul Manafort, then campaign manager, resigned after it was revealed he had financial ties to Russia. In his place, Trump hired veteran Republican pollster Kellyanne Conway. At the time Conway was brought on board to run the campaign, the former host of "The Apprentice" also decided that he wanted Steve Bannon, the controversial head of the right-wing Breitbart News, to be involved.
Bannon was named campaign CEO, before moving on to the role of chief strategist following the inauguration. In the seven months since Trump became president, Bannon has caused problems for the administration, leaving many to question when he could be asked to leave the White House. As reported by NBC News and various other sources on August 18, Bannon is officially out.
JUST IN: White House officials say Chief Strategist Steve Bannon was fired https://t.co/wMLtS6lnHj pic.twitter.com/bPEFIjGpXa
— CNN (@CNN) August 18, 2017
According to two administration officials, Steve Bannon is no longer working in the White House. As reported by CNN, the last straw appeared to be an outburst by Donald Trump on his golf course last week after discussing a recent interview Bannon gave to the American Prospect.
Bannon appeared to contradict the president on the hostile issue involving North Korea, which left the president in a difficult spot. Bannon was reportedly asked to resign last week, which took effect and was made public on Friday.
Twitter reacts
Not long after the news of Steve Bannon's exit became pubic, the story went viral as critics of Donald Trump celebrated on social media, with many high-profiled names joining in on the apparent fun.
"Hey Bannon - shove a tiki torch up ur ass #FIRED," actress and talk show host Rosie O'Donnell tweeted out.
hey bannon - shove a tiki torch up ur ass #FIRED
— ROSIE (@Rosie) August 18, 2017
Trump has insisted Bannon resign. "Ding dong the witch etc!" This shows that our collective outrage works, even on the most tone deaf ears.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 18, 2017
It is a delicious irony that the white supremacist rally has led to the ouster of the most visible white supremacist from the White House.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 18, 2017
"Trump has insisted Bannon resign.
'Ding dong the witch etc!' This shows that our collective outrage works, even on the most tone deaf ears," actor George Takei posted on his Twitter feed. In a follow-up tweet, Takei added, "It is a delicious irony that the white supremacist rally has led to the ouster of the most visible white supremacist from the White House."
White House confirms authenticity of leaked iMessages between Steve Bannon and Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/hZeUtIdDfQ
— Tommy Campbell (@MrTommyCampbell) August 18, 2017
Steve Bannon is looking forward to spending more time screaming epithets at his family.
— Bess Kalb (@bessbell) August 18, 2017
...in that it eliminates the lead (maybe lone) voice in the WH pushing to end trade deals, spend big on infrastructure, beat up China etc.
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) August 18, 2017
"Steve Bannon is looking forward to spending more time screaming epithets at his family," TV writer Bess Kalb wrote.
"White House confirms authenticity of leaked iMessages between Steve Bannon and Donald Trump," actor Tommy Campbell tweeted, while attaching a satirical text exchange between Bannon and the president. As the negative reaction continued to pour in, the news of Bannon's exit seemed to be welcome by millions of Americans across the country.