Kelly Takes Reins: White House Sees Another Major Shake-Up

In a rapid succession of events, White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci resigned just 11 days into his tenure, paving the way for General John Kelly to step in as the new Chief of Staff. This latest staffing change aims to provide a “clean slate” and instill much-needed discipline in an administration often described as unruly.

A Whirlwind 11 Days: Scaramucci’s Brief Tenure

The departure of Anthony Scaramucci on Monday, July 31, 2017, marked a swift end to his controversial role. His resignation followed just over a week after Press Secretary Sean Spicer stepped down to facilitate Scaramucci’s appointment. Officials confirm that Scaramucci’s exit came at the direct request of new Chief of Staff John Kelly, signaling Kelly’s immediate intent to assert control over White House operations.

General Kelly’s Mandate: Restoring Order?

Retired General John Kelly, formerly President Trump’s Secretary of Homeland Security, was sworn in with high expectations. President Trump expressed confidence that Kelly would do an “absolutely superb” job, praising his “miraculous” work at DHS, which included a drastic drop in illegal border crossings and firm stances on policies like the travel ban.

Republican strategist Paris Dennard believes Kelly, with his four decades of military experience, brings a commitment to discipline crucial for plugging leaks and advancing the administration’s agenda. The hope is that Kelly can provide the leadership and strength needed in the West Wing, moving from an administration that needed to establish Capitol Hill relationships to one focused on “wins” for the American people.

The Chief of Staff’s Role and Unique Challenges

The Chief of Staff position, a role originated under President Dwight Eisenhower, is traditionally that of a “gatekeeper.” Shirley Warshaw, a professor of political science at Gettysburg College, emphasizes its importance in managing access to the president, especially given reports of President Trump being swayed by the last person he speaks with and granting broad Oval Office access. Charles Walcott, a political science professor emeritus at Virginia Tech, highlights the chief of staff’s main role as organizing and managing the White House staff itself, protecting the president’s time, and maintaining discipline.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed that all staff would now report to General Kelly, implying his broad authority to restructure and manage as he sees fit. This includes questions about whether senior aides, even the president’s own family members, would maintain direct access to the president, an area where Kelly is expected to exert influence.

“No WH Chaos!” – The President’s View vs. Reality

Despite President Trump’s tweet insisting on “No WH chaos!” and touting economic successes, the past 11 days prior to Kelly’s appointment were rife with controversies. These included Scaramucci’s profanity-laced attacks on fellow senior staffers, rebukes from public institutions over presidential comments, warnings from Congress about firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a sudden policy shift on transgender soldiers via Twitter, and the failure of Senate Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This rapid sequence of events paints a picture of significant internal turmoil.

Can Kelly Tame the White House’s Undisciplined Leader?

Experts remain skeptical about Kelly’s ability to truly rein in the White House, particularly President Trump himself. Russell Riley, an associate professor at the Miller Center at the University of Virginia, notes that the “biggest problem is that there hasn’t been any sense of discipline from the president himself.” He suggests “the real test of whether the new chief of staff has power is whether he has control of the Twitter account.”

Democrats, like strategist Craig Varoga, view Kelly’s appointment as signing up for a “lost cause,” asserting that no one has yet succeeded in changing the president’s impulsive behaviors. While Scaramucci’s resignation might signal Kelly’s empowerment, a report from CNN about Kelly’s anger over the firing of FBI Director James Comey highlights potential future tensions between the president and his new chief of staff.

What This Means for the Public and White House Operations

While the internal White House drama captivates political observers in Washington D.C., Republican strategist Paris Dennard suggests the general public cares more about actions and policy outcomes than personnel changes. A Rasmussen poll indicated over 60 percent of Republicans still approve of Trump’s performance, reinforcing the idea that “the American people care more about actions than personnel.”

Frequently Asked Questions About the White House Shake-Up

• Who is John Kelly?
  John Kelly is a retired Marine Corps general who previously served as President Trump’s Secretary of Homeland Security. He was appointed as the new White House Chief of Staff, replacing Reince Priebus.
• Why did Anthony Scaramucci resign?
  Scaramucci resigned at the behest of newly appointed Chief of Staff John Kelly, reportedly to give Kelly a “clean slate” to build his own team. His brief tenure was marked by controversial public remarks.
• What is the primary goal of Kelly’s appointment?
  The main goal is to bring discipline, order, and a clear chain of command to the White House staff, effectively acting as a “gatekeeper” to the President and managing the administration’s message.
• What challenges does Kelly face?
  Kelly faces significant challenges including stopping internal leaks, managing staff dynamics, and potentially reining in the President’s own impulsive behaviors and public statements, particularly on social media.

As the dust settles in the West Wing, the eyes of Washington D.C. remain on John Kelly, watching to see if his military discipline can indeed bring lasting order to a famously unpredictable administration.

Kelly Named Chief Of Staff Scaramucci Out