Washington – Outgoing Press Secretary Sean Spicer says that he chose to resign from his position to give incoming commutations director Anthony Scaramucci a fresh start.
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Spicer says during a brief phone conversation with The Associated Press following his announced departure that, “we’re at the point where” the president “could benefit from a clean slate.”
He says he felt it would be best for Scaramucci to be able to build his own operation “and chart a new way forward.”
Spicer is also complimenting Scaramucci, a New York financier and frequent defender of the president who was a staple at Trump Tower during the president’s transition.
Spicer says of Scaramucci’s hiring: “It’ll be great, he’s a tough guy.”
Earlier, Spicer tweet it’s been “an honor” and “privilege” to serve President Donald Trump and the country.
He said in a tweet that he will continue his service through August.
One person with knowledge of the situation said Spicer objected to the hiring of New York financier Anthony Scaramucci’s lack of qualifications for the communications role. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the personnel matter publicly.
White House deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be conducting an on-camera briefing on Friday afternoon, following Spicer’s resignation.
Sanders has been handling most of the briefing duties in recent weeks, and most briefings have been off-camera. The last on-camera White House briefing was held on June 29.
Spicer was a great public servant and will be missed by all . We know you had a tough job challenging our enemies the fake news on a daily basis . Those vicious people get to u
Mr. Spicer, don’t let the door hit the President on your way out.