Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, has resigned after a tumultuous six-month tenure in that position.
CNN.com reports that Spicer’s resignation came following the appointment of Trump campaign fundraiser Anthony Scaramucci to the position of White House Communications director. Spicer strongly opposed Scaramucci’s appointment.
"It's been an honor & a privilege to serve @POTUS @realDonaldTrump & this amazing country. I will continue my service through August," Spicer tweeted, following his resignation.
Two Trump administration officials told CNN that other White House staffers were “shocked” by the announcement of Spicer’s resignation.
Spicer has held an unenviable position from the start of his career as press secretary. Backing up the President while handling a room full of media reporters whom the President often criticizes is certainly a role that requires particular skill and patience.
President Trump had reportedly been pushing to hire Scaramucci for some time, even though Spicer and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus reportedly have a strained relationship with Scaramucci.
However, after the announcement of Scaramucci’s appointment, Priebus said he was behind the new communications director “100%.”
Photo: White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer speaks to reporters during an off-camera briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House July 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. The White House has not held an on-camera briefing since June 29.
Photo courtesy: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Publication date: July 21, 2017