President Donald Trump named Homeland Security Secretary General John Kelly as White House Chief of Staff.
On July 28, 2017, President Donald Trump appointed Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly as his chief of staff, replacing Reince Priebus. In an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Priebus said he submitted his resignation to the president privately on July 27.
Priebus stated the following: “The President wanted to go a different direction. A president has a right to hit a reset button. I think it’s a good time to hit the reset button. I think he was right to hit the reset button. I’m always going to be a Trump fan. I’m on Team Trump and I look forward to helping him achieve his goals and his agenda for the American people.”
Priebus also said the following: “I think General Kelly is a brilliant pick. We’ll be working on a transition here for a couple weeks together with General Kelly (starting on July 31, which is his first day). So this is not like a situation where there are a bunch of ill will feelings.”
Reince Priebus served as White House Chief of Staff from January 20, 2017 until July 27, 2017. Priebus’ 189-day tenure as chief of staff is the shortest in modern presidential history. Previously, he had been chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), RNC general counsel, and chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.
The appointment of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to White House Chief of Staff
“I am pleased to inform you that I have just named General/Secretary John F. Kelly as White House Chief of Staff,” President Trump tweeted. “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.” President Trump told reporters the following: “John Kelly will do a fantastic job. General Kelly has been a star, done an incredible job thus far, respected by everybody. He’s a great great American.” The president also sent a message of thanks to Priebus after his initial announcement and told reporters that Priebus was a “good man.”
Kelly, a marine, served in the military for nearly five decades and in other positions including chief of Southern Command and senior assistant to the secretary of defense. He also worked as a legislative liaison to Congress and served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On December 12, 2016, President-elect Donald J. Trump nominated retired Marine Corps General John Kelly as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. He was quickly confirmed by the Senate. On January 20, 2017, he assumed office. General Kelly was in charge of the administration’s policies on issues including immigration, cyber security, countering domestic terrorism, and aviation security.
Who is retired General John Kelly?
The photo shows General John Kelly’s two sons, Marine Lieutenant Robert Kelly, who died in combat in Afghanistan, and Captain John Kelly Junior, standing next to their father.
John Kelly is a highly respected Marine Corps general, who served three tours in Iraq, and lost a son in combat in Afghanistan. Among his many assignments, General John Kelly served as the top Marine commander in Iraq in 2008 when he commanded the Marine force based in Anbar province.
General Kelly’s son, Marine First Lieutenant Robert Kelly was killed on November 9, 2010 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The military calls a Gold Star family those unfortunate parents who lose a son or a daughter in combat. Lieutenant Robert Kelly was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. First Lieutenant Robert Kelly was a graduate of the Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.
General John Kelly wrote this letter to family and friends after the death of his brave son:
“As I think you all know by now our Robert was killed in action protecting our country, its people, and its values from a terrible and relentless enemy, on 9 November, in Sangin, Afghanistan. He was leading his Grunts on a dismounted patrol when he was taken. They are shaken, but will recover quickly and already back at it. He went quickly and thank God he did not suffer. In combat that is as good as it gets, and we are thankful. We are a broken hearted – but proud family. He was a wonderful and precious boy living a meaningful life. He was in exactly the place he wanted to be, doing exactly what he wanted to do, surrounded by the best men on this earth – his Marines and Navy Doc.”
“The nation he served has honored us with promoting him posthumously to First Lieutenant of Marines. We will bury our son, now First Lieutenant Robert Michael Kelly USMC, in Arlington National Cemetery on 22 November. Services will commence at 12:45 at Fort Myer. We will likely have a memorial receiving at a yet to be designated funeral home on 21 November. The coffin will be closed. Our son Captain John Kelly USMC, himself a multi-tour combat veteran and the best big brother on this earth, will escort the body from Dover Air Force Base to Arlington. From the moment he was killed he has never been alone and will remain under the protection of a Marine to his final resting place.”
“Many have offered prayers for us and we thank you, but his wonderful wife Heather and the rest of the clan ask that you direct the majority of your prayers to his platoon of Marines, still in contact and in harm’s way, and at greater risk without his steady leadership. Thank you all for the many kindnesses we could not get through this without you all. Thank you all for being there for us. The pain in unimaginable, and we could not do this without you.”
In his final Pentagon news conference, he spoke about the loss of his son — a topic he did not often discuss publicly. General Kelly stated the following: “To lose a child is — I can’t imagine anything worse than that. I used to think, when I’d go to all of my trips up to Bethesda, Walter Reed, I’ll go to the funerals with the secretaries of defense that I could somehow imagine what it would be like. When you lose one in combat, there’s a — in my opinion — there’s a pride that goes with it, that he didn’t have to be there doing what he was doing. He wanted to be there. He volunteered.”
General Kelly receives occasional letters from Gold Star families who are asking, ‘Was it worth it?’ He responds as follows: “And I always go back with this: It doesn’t matter. That’s not our question to ask as parents. That young person thought it was worth it, and that’s the only opinion that counts.”
General John Kelly’s military career
The Department of Defense published General Kelly biography:
“General Kelly was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970, and was discharged as a sergeant in 1972, after serving in an infantry company with the 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Following his graduation from the University of Massachusetts in 1976, he was commissioned and returned to the 2nd Marine Division, where he served as a rifle and weapons platoon commander, company executive officer, assistant operations officer, and infantry company commander.”
General John Kelly
“Sea duty in Mayport, Florida followed, at which time he served aboard aircraft carriers USS Forrestal and USS Independence. In 1980, then Captain Kelly transferred to the U.S. Army’s Infantry Officer Advanced Course in Fort Benning, Georgia. After graduation, he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, DC, serving there from 1981 through 1984, as an assignment monitor. Captain Kelly returned to the 2nd Marine Division in 1984 to command a rifle and weapons company. Promoted to the rank of Major in 1987, he served as the battalion’s operations officer.”
“In 1987, Major Kelly transferred to the Basic School, Quantico, Virginia, serving first as the head of the Offensive Tactics Section, Tactics Group, and later Director of the Infantry Officer Course. After three years of instructing young officers, he attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the School for Advanced Warfare both located at Quantico.”
“After, completing duty under instruction and being selected as Lieutenant Colonel, he was assigned as Commanding Officer, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Holding this command position for two years, Lieutenant Colonel Kelly returned to the East Coast in 1994 to attend the National War College in Washington, D.C. He graduated in 1995 and was selected to serve as the Commandant’s Liaison Officer to the U.S. House of Representatives, Capitol Hill, where he was promoted to the rank of Colonel.”
“In 1999, Colonel Kelly transferred to joint duty and served as the Special Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, in Mons, Belgium. He returned to the United States in 2001, and was assigned to a third tour of duty at Camp Lejeune, now as the Assistant Chief of Staff G-3 with the 2nd Marine Division.”
“In 2002, he was selected to the rank of Brigadier General, Colonel Kelly again served with the 1st Marine Division, this time as the Assistant Division Commander. Much of Brigadier General Kelly’s two-year assignment was spent deployed in Iraq. He then returned to the Headquarters Marine Corps as the Legislative Assistant to the Commandant from 2004 to 2007.”
“Promoted to major general, he returned to Camp Pendleton as the Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). He was deployed to Iraq in early 2008 for a year-long mission, replacing II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) as Multinational Force-West in Al Anbar and western Ninewa provinces. Lt Gen Kelly commanded Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North from October 2009 to March 2011. General Kelly comes to United States Southern Command from his previous position as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense from March 2011 to October 2012.”
“General Kelly served as Combatant Commander of the United States Southern Command from November 19, 2012 to January 16, 2016 and soon after that assignment he retired. The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) is located in the city of Doral in Miami-Dade County. It is one of nine Unified Combatant Commands in the United States Department of Defense. According to Wikipedia, the Southern Command is responsible for providing contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation for Central and South America, the Caribbean, their territorial waters, and for the force protection of U.S. military resources at these locations. USSOUTHCOM is also responsible for ensuring the defense of the Panama Canal and the canal area.”
At Southern Command, General Kelly spoke bluntly about his need for more resources to fight the drug trade. During a 2014 hearing, he told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he did not have the ships or surveillance assets to get more than 20% of the drugs leaving Colombia for the United States.
“Immigration enforcement is a familiar issue for General John Kelly. As a former head of the Southern Command, General Kelly worked with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to dismantle migrant smuggling networks. General Kelly also worked closely with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
General John Kelly’s opening statement during his confirmation hearing in the Senate
“Please allow me to introduce my family. My wife, Karen, is here, as are my daughter and son-in-law. Anyone who has answered the call to serve our country knows that the personal sacrifices of public service are often felt most acutely by their families. As the wife and mother to three strong-willed Marines and one determined FBI agent, Karen has been my anchor and I’m grateful for her love and partnership.”
“Over the past 45 years, I have been privileged to serve my nation as both an enlisted Marine and an officer. I have led platoons and divisions. I have held senior command positions in Iraq and served as the Combatant Commander of the U.S. Southern Command and as the Senior Military Assistant to two Secretaries of Defense—Secretaries Gates and Panetta. I have worked with our allies, across agencies, the private sector, and with independent experts to identify innovative, comprehensive solutions to current and emerging threats.”
“These assignments—while varied—shared the common characteristics of working within and leading large, complex, and diverse mission-focused organizations, while under great pressure to produce results. I am humbled to once again be called to serve, this time with the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security. As I solemnly swore before God when I entered the Marine Corps, if confirmed, I will faithfully support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic—every second of every day.”
“I believe in America and the principles upon which our country and way of life are guaranteed. I believe in respect, tolerance, and diversity of opinion. I have a profound respect for the rule of law and will always strive to uphold it.”
“I have never had a problem speaking truth to power, and I firmly believe that those in power deserve full candor and my honest assessment and recommendations. I love my country, and I will do everything within my power to preserve our liberty, enforce our laws, and protect our citizens. I recognize the many challenges facing the Department of Homeland Security—and should I be confirmed—I look forward to partnering with you all to protect the homeland.”
The White House staff shake up
Reince Priebus worked in the Donald Trump presidential campaign and spoke at his rallies. On January 20, 2017, he was brought on by the outsider President Trump mainly because of his Washington relationships and his knowledge of Republicans in Congress. Priebus was hired at the urging of top congressional Republicans — including House Speaker Paul Ryan, a fellow Wisconsinite and close friend — who advised Trump that he needed a Washington insider to help him implement his legislative agenda.
Priebus carried a share of the blame for the White House’s failure to repeal and replace ObamaCare. It had been reported that Priebus did not have strong support from key members of Trump’s inner circle including daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Priebus was criticized for his management style as chief of staff and for his failure to stop the leaks. Priebus had difficulty imposing discipline and a sense of order in the White House. Part of his problems was the president’s unusual governing style and having White House officials whose ideologies fall across the political spectrum. There are White House and Cabinet officials who are globalist and others who are anti-globalists.
The former Republican National Committee chairman faced a difficult task from the beginning as he attempted to manage rival staff factions divided by ideology and allegiance, his influence supplanted by several other top advisers — including the President’s daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner– who reported directly to President Trump and not to the chief of staff. According to FoxNews under the new Chief of Staff Kelly everyone will report to him, including the president’s family.
Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci was fired after 11 days in his position.
On July 21, 2017, Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci was appointed White House Communications Director. Scaramucci began his career at globalist bank Goldman Sachs where he worked from 1989 to 1996. He worked in its Investment Banking, Equities, and Private Wealth Management divisions. Scaramucci left Goldman in 1996 to launch Oscar Capital Management with his colleague Andrew Boszhardt. In 2005, Scaramucci founded the global investment firm SkyBridge Capital. Scaramucci visited Cuba and stated that he would like to invest in the island with the bloody communist regime. After just over a week on the job, the president fired Scaramucci
The infighting among President Trump White House’s staff increased into all-out warfare with the arrival of Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci. Both Priebus and nationalist Steve Bannon opposed Scaramucci’s appointment. Within days of his appointment, Scaramucci, who was added to the roster of top aides who circumvent the chief of staff and report directly to the President, accused Priebus for the leaks coming out of the White House.
Scaramucci made those charges on CNN moments after speaking with President Trump. On July 27, Scaramucci called Priebus a “paranoid schizophrenic, a paranoiac” in an interview with in the New Yorker. President Trump did not defend Priebus against the terrible insulting remarks made by Scaramucci.
Priebus is just the latest former RNC official to leave the administration, following the departure of White House press secretary Sean Spicer — who resigned in protest over Scaramucci’s hire — and the firing of deputy chief of staff Katie Walsh, a key Priebus ally who left the administration after just two months on the job.
Scaramucci is fired
Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci was fired by President Trump
On July 31, 2017, Dave Boyer wrote an article titled “Trump removes Anthony Scaramucci from Communications Director Role” which was published by the Washington Times. The reporter said that President Trump removed newly appointed White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci on July 31, 2017, 11 days after the president had hired him to help force out chief of staff Reince Priebus.
The announcement came just hours after Mr. Trump swore in his new chief of staff, retired General John F. Kelly, former Homeland Security Secretary. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said 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,” she said in a statement.
Boyer explained that President Trump fired Scaramucci because of the use of profanity in a phone call to a New Yorker magazine writer, said a source close to President Trump. The phone call, which ended up in print, included foul-mouthed attacks on Reince Priebus and White House senior political strategist Stephen K. Bannon. The vulgar language embarrassed President Trump and his family, according to the source. However, the president could still find a role for Scaramucci elsewhere in the administration. Several news outlets reported that Scaramucci’s ouster came at the request of the new Chief of Staff General Kelly. A Republican source close to the White House said the ouster of Scaramucci “was a top order of business for General Kelly as a new chief of staff.”
Boyer pointed out that when Scaramucci was hired by the president, Scaramucci made clear that he would report directly to President Trump, not to the chief of staff. It was not clear whether Scaramucci expected the same direct access to the president upon General Kelly’s new appointment.
Mr. Spicer resigned on July 21, 2017, telling colleagues that he did not want to work for Scaramucci. He agreed to stay on until the end of August.
Conclusion
President Donald J. Trump made a superb selection with General John Kelly, first as Secretary of Homeland Security and now as his White House Chief of Staff. During his Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Homeland Security, General Kelly said, “If confirmed, I will faithfully support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic—every second of every day.” The fact is that General Kelly is a great patriot and has defended America everywhere every second of every day for 45 years. And he will continue to do that as long as he serves in the Trump administration.
John Kelly did a superb job as Secretary of Homeland Security and will be an excellent White House Chief of Staff. The White House staff needs discipline and a sense of order to stop the infighting that hurts the president’s agenda. President Trump also needs to be more disciplined, to be less combative, and reduce to negative twits. The constant attacks against his own Attorney General were unprecedented and have hurt the president. Hopefully, General Kelly will give the president sound advice that he will accept in order to implement his agenda and achieve his priorities.
General Kelly will fire any White House leakers and work to identify individuals of the Deep State in federal government, including intelligence agencies who are leaking national security secrets to the mainstream media. This writer also feels safer having General Kelly in the White House now that North Korea has intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that can reach U.S. cities including Chicago and New York in a little over 30 minutes.
It is this writer’s hope that General Kelly will reduce the influence of the many globalists in the White House and the federal agencies. The president’s campaigned as an anti-globalist nationalist and America First candidate against the New World Order candidate, the very corrupt Hillary Clinton. It would be very sad if the globalists in his administration were to change the president’s ideology.
