Washington – As President-elect Donald Trump puts together his White House, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, top campaign aide Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon, are emerging as possible picks for chief of staff.
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That’s according to two people familiar with the transition planning.
Conway, a prominent Republican pollster, served as Trump’s third campaign chief of staff and developed a strong rapport with the candidate. Priebus embraced Trump after his nomination, despite concerns among other Republicans, and worked his way into his inner circle.
Conway said on Twitter that she’s been offered a White House job, though did not offer specifics.
A third person with knowledge of the transition process says conservative media executive Steve Bannon is also in the mix for chief of staff. However, others insist Bannon would not have a White House role.
Bannon, the executive chairman of the conservative website Breitbart News, is well liked among Trump’s circle of advisers. Priebus is said to be viewed favorably by Trump’s daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Those involved in the process insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the planning publicly. A decision on chief of staff is expected in the coming days.
Trump is looking to a longtime friend and private equity executive to lead his inauguration efforts.
Tom Barrack, who founded California-based firm Colony Capital, has been asked to serve as chairman of the President-elect’s inaugural committee. That’s according to two sources with direct knowledge of the decision who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share internal discussions.
Barrack has been an aggressive public supporter of Trump throughout the campaign. He was among the primetime speakers at Trump’s nominating convention this summer.
The inaugural chairman is responsible for raising millions of dollars to fund the inauguration, which includes several major parties and an extensive entertainment program.
Barack’s office declined a request for comment.
He told CBS “This Morning” on Thursday that Trump was like an ultimate fighter during the campaign who used “whatever tools necessary to convey a really disruptive message.” He said America would see “a softer, kinder” Trump now that he’s won the presidency.
Christie should be made head of Transportation – especially bridges!