John Kelly Won't Be Out in 2018 After All

Trump says 'great people' want the job 'badly'
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 12, 2018 3:10 AM CST
John Kelly Won't Be Out in 2018 After All
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Democratic leaders in the Oval Office, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

John Kelly won't be leaving the White House in 2018 after all—but he's probably not going to need to put up a 2019 calendar in his office. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said during a Fox appearance Tuesday that the White House chief of staff will remain in the role until at least Jan. 2 to make sure there is a "very peaceful and and pragmatic transition," the Washington Post reports. Conway, who praised Kelly's service, said it was up to him and President Trump whether he stayed on beyond Jan. 2. "I know they both love this country and want there to be a transition to the next leader here," she said.

Trump said Saturday that Kelly, who replaced Reince Priebus in July last year, will be departing "towards the end of the year." Trump said Tuesday that he has at least 12 "great people" who want the job "badly," including Rep. Mark Meadows, Reuters reports. "Everybody wants it. Who doesn't want to be one of the top few people in Washington, DC?" Trump said to three reporters interviewing him. "I mean, you three guys would take it." He later tweeted: "Why wouldn’t someone want one of the truly great and meaningful jobs in Washington. Please report news correctly." (The man thought to be Trump's first choice is also leaving the White House.)

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