President Donald Trump’s former chief of staff, Reince Priebus, said in his first interview since it was announced he would leave his role that Trump « wanted to go a different direction. »
Trump replaced Priebus on Friday with Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, an explosive move that ends a turbulent six-month tenure.
When pressed by Blitzer on why he resigned from the role, Priebus responded, « I’m not going to get into that personal stuff. »
« General Kelly is a brilliant pick. … We’ll be working on a transition, » he said. « It’s not like it’s a situation where there’s a lot of ill feelings. I think this is good for the President. »
Trump made the announcement on Twitter just after landing on Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington.
« I am pleased to inform you that I have just named General/Secretary John F Kelly as White House Chief of Staff. He is a Great American… and a Great Leader. John has also done a spectacular job at Homeland Security. He has been a true star of my Administration, » Trump tweeted.
Speaking earlier in New York, Trump offered effusive praise for Kelly, though he didn’t hint he would soon be working from the West Wing.
« John Kelly is one of our great stars, » Trump declared.
This story will be updated.
