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The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Peckman: White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci resigns amid a sea of controversy

In+this+July+21%2C+2017+photo%2C+incoming+White+House+communications+director+Anthony+Scaramucci%2C+right%2C+blowing+a+kiss+after+answering+questions+during+the+press+briefing+in+the+Brady+Press+Briefing+room+of+the+White+House+in+Washington.+Scaramucci+is+out+as+White+House+communications+director+after+just+11+days+on+the+job.++A+person+close+to+Scaramucci+confirmed+the+staffing+change+just+hours+after+President+Donald+Trump%E2%80%99s+new+chief+of+staff%2C+John+Kelly%2C+was+sworn+into+office.+%28AP+Photo%2FPablo+Martinez+Monsivais%29
AP
In this July 21, 2017 photo, incoming White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, right, blowing a kiss after answering questions during the press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing room of the White House in Washington. Scaramucci is out as White House communications director after just 11 days on the job. A person close to Scaramucci confirmed the staffing change just hours after President Donald Trump’s new chief of staff, John Kelly, was sworn into office. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

The latest arrival (and coincidentally the latest departure) from the Trump White House is Communications Director Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci. After being hired on July 21, he unleashed a tirade against Trump’s staff, including Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus in an interview with New Yorker writer Ryan Lizza — all amid a sea of controversy — Scaramucci decided it was best he step down Monday. In a statement on Monday afternoon, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said “Mr. Scaramucci felt it was best to give Chief of Staff John Kelly a clean slate and the ability to build his own team. We wish him all the best.”

A slew of alerts, badges, and dings blew up my phone as the news of Scaramucci’s resignation came in — but during the chaotic yet comedic Trump administration, I can’t say I was surprised to learn of the Mooch’s exit from his short cameo in the Trump White House. As comedic as it was to watch Scaramucci’s interviews and tirades, there was a distinct undertone of fear swimming in the recesses of my mind.

Comedy aside, Scaramucci was supposed to be one of the chief communicators in the nation — but if you consider communication (worthy of the White House) to include calling a chief of staff a “f****** paranoid schizophrenic,” then by all means defend him. While some may argue Scaramucci’s uninhibited language shows his honesty, there should be a certain level of professionalism coming from the White House.

Scaramucci replaced Mike Dubke and Sean Spicer as communications director — despite the latter two receiving their fair share of negative press, Scaramucci received the most condemnation. He also received the most praise from right-leaning publications desperate to find a diamond in the Scaramucci rough. His resignation is the big news of the day but will ultimately be a ripple in the pond of the Trump era. With controversial figures on board such as the aforementioned Bannon and Rex Tillerson, it is only a matter of time before the next scandal. There isn’t a hidden political statement there, either; it’s a matter of fact.

Some Republicans say the widespread controversy surrounding Trump’s administration is a fabrication of the “liberal media.” Some also say that many are still hurt over the loss of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, and this vendetta against Trump causes the masses to look at his presidency with more scrutiny. But the hiring, tenure, and speedy resignation of Scaramucci doesn’t need to be looked at with much scrutiny. Sometimes, the right person with the right connections can simply be the wrong one for the job. Trump recently announced via Twitter that John Kelly was to replace Reince Priebus as his chief of staff, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will meet with him to discuss reports of chaos at the State Department.

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About the Contributor
<span class=Charles Peckman">
Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @charlespeckman Charles currently serves as a digital producer, senior reporter, and host of On the Record at The Daily Iowan. As a four-year staff member, he has covered the 2016 Presidential election and Iowa caucuses in addition to continued reporting on sustainability and local business. Working towards a bachelor's in journalism and mass communication, certificate in entrepreneurial management, and minor in German, Charles holds a wide variety of interests. When he is not in the newsroom, you can find him watching Mad Men or fixing vintage wristwatches.