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. (our emphasis)File under "No shit, Sherlock."
It's no secret Kelly has a low regard for the nitwit- in- chief (how could any reasonable person think otherwise?), coupled with a high regard for himself. While Kelly had a distinguished military service, his reputation (as with everyone who comes within the orbit of the nitwit- in- chief) has suffered significant tarnishing during his stint at the White House. As the linked story notes, he amplified Trump's worst instincts on immigration and on White House misogyny and sexual abuse. It's also no secret "the kids" in the White House have chafed at Kelly's trying to run a tight ship, which no doubt has led to these concentrated leaks.
This is the kind of fight you'd like to see all sides lose.
(Photo: "An idiot.")
