John McEntee (l.), personal aide to President Trump, was fired Monday. (CHIP SOMODEVILLA)
President Trump’s personal assistant was let go on Monday — escorted from the White House without being allowed to get his coat, according to reports.
John McEntee was fired because he is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security for serious financial crimes, CNN noted.
But the faithful Trump aide didn't go far as he was immediately hired by the President’s reelection campaign team.
McEntee indicated to colleagues that there was an issue in his background that may have prevented him from gaining full security clearance and led to his dismissal, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
McEntee worked with Trump from the earliest days of his presidential bid, joining the Trump team in 2015.
His exit comes two weeks after White House communications director Hope Hicks, also a long-serving staffer, stepped down.
McEntee managed to keep a low profile in a campaign and White House often embroiled in controversy.
The 27-year-old former University of Connecticut quarterback is more widely known for a viral YouTube trick throw video than his work with Trump.
But inside the West Wing, McEntee was a common presence, serving as Trump’s body man.
He made sure Trump had markers with him while travelling in order to sign autographs, delivered messages to him while at the White House and even set clocks during daylight savings time, according to the Journal.
He was often the first person to greet the President in the morning and saw his stature rise after longtime Trump security guard Keith Schiller left last fall.
“With Keith’s departure, Johnny is clearly playing a larger role. He is someone who has earned the trust of the president and is a top-notch professional, Sean Spicer, former White House press secretary, told Politico in October.
His swift departure comes amid a series of security clearance issues in the White House.
A number of White House staffers have been let go or reassigned as chief of staff John Kelly tightened security measures following staff secretary Rob Porter’s resignation amid domestic abuse allegations.
Trump’s son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner’s interim clearance was downgraded during the fallout.
Trump’s presidential campaign issued a statement Tuesday morning announcing McEntee will act as a senior advisor for campaign operations.
The 2020 reelection campaign team includes newly appointed manager Brad Parscale, who ran the social media wing last time around.
Also announced Tuesday, former spokeswoman Katrina Pierson was hired by the campaign as a senior adviser.
Both Pierson and Parscale previously worked at America First Policies, a nonprofit promoting Trump’s agenda.
- ny news
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