Kelly thinks he's saving U.S. from disaster, calls Trump 'idiot,' say White House staffers
Source: NBCNews
Some current and former officials said they expect Kelly to leave by July, and that Trump and Kelly seem to have tired of each other.
by Carol E. Lee, Courtney Kube, Kristen Welker and Stephanie Ruhle / Apr.30.2018 / 3:14 PM ET
WASHINGTON — White House chief of staff John Kelly has eroded morale in the West Wing in recent months with comments to aides that include insulting the president's intelligence and casting himself as the savior of the country, according to eight current and former White House officials.
The officials said Kelly portrays himself to Trump administration aides as the lone bulwark against catastrophe, curbing the erratic urges of a president who has a questionable grasp on policy issues and the functions of government. He has referred to Trump as "an idiot" multiple times to underscore his point, according to four officials who say they've witnessed the comments.
Three White House spokespeople said they don't believe it's accurate that Kelly called the president an "idiot," adding that none of them has ever heard him do that or otherwise use that word.
Officials said Kelly's public image as a retired four-star general instilling discipline on a chaotic White House and an impulsive president belies what they describe as the undisciplined and indiscreet approach he's employed as chief of staff. The private manner aides describe may shed new light on why Kelly now finds himself — just nine months into the job — grappling with diminished influence and a drumbeat of questions about how long he'll remain at the White House.
Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/kelly-thinks-he-s-saving-u-s-disaster-calls-trump-n868961
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This is a well-coordinated effort to push Kelly out. Jarvanka was offended when he revoked their security clearance and kept them out of the White House. And Bolton & Pompeo obviously do not like Kelly. Expect to see a lot more of Jarvanka, Bolton and Pompeo when Kelly leaves.
Snakes, turning on each other.
