Politics - News Analysis

Trump Decides To Keep Gen. John Kelly Longer Since No One Else Wants To Be His Chief of Staff

In the latest dramatic turn in the debacle unfolding over filling one of the most powerful posts in Washington, DC, the White House now says Gen. John Kelly will stay on as chief of staff “at least” through the beginning of the year.

Donald Trump told reporters he was “in no rush” to fill the spot, after his planned succession blew up over the weekend.

“We are in no rush. Over a period of a week or two or maybe less we’ll announce who it’s going to be, but we have a lot of people who want the position,” Trump said in an Oval Office meeting with Democratic leaders that included Kelly.

“A lot of friends of mine want it. A lot of people that Chuck and Nancy know very well want it, I think people you’d like,” Trump said, talking up the post. “We have a lot of people that want the job of chief of staff. So we’ll be seeing what happens. We’re in no rush.”

The reason, Trump said, was “Because we have a wonderful chief of staff right here.”

Trump’s words confirmed what Kellyanne Conway said in an appearance on “Fox & Friends” on Tuesday morning – just days after the White House said Kelly’s tenure was nearly over.

“He will stay on the job through January 2nd at least, and I think there were will be a very peaceful and pragmatic transition to the next chief of staff,” Conway said. “But the President has many people who want to serve here.”

Kelly had been slated to leave by year’s end. That was before the president’s first pick for the job, Nick Ayers, turned down the position. Now, the White House is admitting that the search for a successor could take weeks, as the president starts his list of replacements almost from scratch.

The public unraveling of Trump’s search is already provoking ridicule among Democrats.

“Help wanted: White House Chief of Staff. No experience necessary. Must respond well to infighting, backbiting, dishonesty and dishonor,” quipped Rep. Adam Schiff of California, who is set to take over the House Intelligence Committee.

“Excited by the prospect of an impossible work environment? Enjoy humiliation? Apply now! *Background check … negotiable,” he said, in yet another dig at the series of problems getting White House appointees to clear their background checks.

Trump defended the state of his search for a chief of staff after getting rebuffed by his leading candidate after announcing Gen. John Kelly’s departure.

Nick Ayers, the 36-year-old wunderkind who is Vice President Mike Pence’s chief of staff, revealed Sunday that he won’t be taking the job. That followed internal talks where Trump wanted a two-year commitment and Ayers would only sign on for a few months helming Trump’s tumultuous White House.

“Fake News has it purposely wrong. Many, over ten, are vying for and wanting the White House Chief of Staff position,” the president wrote on Twitter Tuesday.

“Why wouldn’t someone want one of the truly great and meaningful jobs in Washington. Please report news correctly. Thank you!” he added in a defense of his ability to attract top talent.

WATCH:

Comments

Comments are currently closed.