Anthony Scaramucci ‘removed’ from top White House role

Scaramucci has been removed from the role as White House communications director. The New York Times reported that Anthony Scaramucci was removed by John Kelly, chief of staff at the White House.

A statement from the Press Secretary said that Scaramucci wished to give Kelly a “clean slate” so that he can build his own team. The statement said: “Anthony Scaramucci will be leaving his role as White House Communications Director.

“Mr Scaramucci felt it was best to give Chief of Staff John Kelly a clean slate and the ability to build his own team,
“We wish him all the best.”

This development comes just hours after retired General John Kelly was sworn into office as Donald Trump’s new chief of staff. Sky News reporter James Matthews – who’s in Washington – said that seems to have been key. “He [John Kelly] clearly couldn’t see any other way of fulfilling his brief of fulfilling order, discipline and authority without getting rid of Scaramucci,” said Mr Matthews.

Donald Trump’s now former communications director sparked controversy with his talk of backstabbing in Washington and use of colourful language when he was appointed less than two weeks ago. Anthony Scaramucci was about a week into his new job when he made headlines around the world with his “straight talking”.

Mr Scaramucci was brought in as part of a White House shake-up which led to the resignation of press secretary Sean Spicer. The Associated Press reported that people familiar with staff changes said Mr Spicer considered Mr Scaramucci lacked the qualifications for the top communications job and quit in protest.

Mr Scaramucci, a native of Long Island, New York, had no government experience and no experience crafting communication strategy around policy, according to AP.
More to follow…

Earlier: The New York Times is reporting that Anthony Scaramucci has been removed as communications director for the White House. This comes only 10 days after Scaramucci was appointed to the position.
There are conflicting reports as to whether he resigned or was removed by President Trump.

It was a controversial appointment leading to the resignation of former Press Secretary Sean Spicer.
The New York Times reports that Scaramucci had boasted about reporting directly to Trump and not John Kelly, the White House Chief of Staff. It was reportedly Kelly’s decision to remove Scaramucci from the Trump administration.