Multiple news outlets are reporting that Chief of Staff John Kelly and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen will be fired in next few weeks.
NBC News is reporting that Kelly will be pushed out of the White House because of his clashes with First Lady Melania’s office and National Security Adviser John Bolton.
“There have been instances where the East Wing staff were not treated as equals to the male-dominated decision makers in Chief Kelly’s office,” one White House official told NBC. “Promotions were denied then finally granted after months of requests.”
Kelly also has also caused trouble for the first lady’s office over travel arrangements, allegedly not reserving space for Mrs. Trump’s two aides on Air Force One or on helicopters. Her aides would also be left without hotel rooms while traveling and these omissions have “caused last-minute logistical issues that the first lady viewed as a slight,” sources tell NBC.
Last month, Kelly got into a “shouting match” with Bolton over immigration, “startling” White House staff. CNN reported that Trump allegedly took Bolton’s side during the argument. Bolton (who favors a tougher approach to immigration) criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen for her handling of border security. Neilsen formerly served as Kelly’s deputy when he was in charge of Homeland Security.
The Washington Post reported that President Trump wants Nielsen “out as soon as possible,” deeming her performance on immigration enforcement as “lackluster.” According to the report, Trump has not been pleased with Nielsen for months.
President Trump acknowledged that his administration would likely encounter a shake-up, telling reporters last week, “As we make changes, we’ll sit down and talk to you about it. I mean, there’s no great secret,” he said. “A lot of administrations make changes after midterms. I will say that, for the most part, I’m very, very happy with this Cabinet. We’re doing a great job.”
When asked about John Kelly’s possible departure, Trump said he hadn’t “heard about John Kelly” departing, but said working at the White House is tiring.
“People leave. They come in, they’re here. It’s a very exhausting job,” he said. “I love doing it, I must tell you. But it’s exhausting for a lot of people.”
