JOHN KELLY/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/TRUMP PEOPLE: “Another day, another set of rumors about the future of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. President Donald Trump and aides declined to comment publicly Friday [12-7-18] on news reports that Kelly will soon leave his post; some officials said privately there are signs that Kelly’s departure is imminent, but also noted they have been down this road before. Last month, some of these same officials expressed concern that Kelly would leave if Trump dismissed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, one of Kelly’s proteges. Trump told reporters he would make a staffing announcement Saturday [12-8-18], but indicated it will deal with the military…Trump hosts a dinner for senior staff on Friday, and Kelly is expected to attend. While officials in July had said Kelly had agreed to stay on through the 2020 election, some of those same officials said more recently that he might move up his timetable. They said Trump has sounded out aides about possible replacements. They include Vice President Pence’s chief of staff, Nick Ayers.”
–David Jackson, “Amid reports of John Kelly departure, Donald Trump team signals coming staff announcement,” USA Today, December 7, 2018 5:03 pm