According to a breaking report from The Washington Post, the President Trump has decided to remove General H.R. McMaster, his national security adviser. His previous adviser in this position, Michael Flynn, served just 24 days before resigning amid scandal, and the president is actively looking for a strong replacement for McMaster, who will demonstrate two qualities Trump is not well-known for: Consideration and preparation. The report reads:
“Trump is now comfortable with ousting McMaster, with whom he never personally gelled, but is willing to take time executing the move because he wants to ensure both that the three-star Army general is not humiliated and that there is a strong successor lined up, these people said.”
The report also states that the president never personally gelled with McMaster and was looking for a palatable way to end the professional relationship. As one Twitter user noted, Trump’s critiques of the general actually sounded like positive attributes.
"The president has complained that McMaster is too rigid and that his briefings go on too long and seem irrelevant."
JFC he's firing people for being too competent. https://t.co/teGt3ShKh9
— Caroline O. (@RVAwonk) March 16, 2018
This all comes in the context of the revolving door of talent at the White House under President Trump’s leadership. His administration has reached record turnover in multiple areas, with notable mentions being his 10-day Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, or his Chief of Staff and Secretary of State — Reince Pribus and Rex Tillerson respectively — who both served the shortest time in their positions in modern history.
According to WaPo, the president has also stated that he enjoys the chaos emanating from the Oval Office.
“I like conflict. I like having two people with different points of view,” Trump said last week, rapping his fists toward one another to simulate a clash. “I like watching it, I like seeing it, and I think it’s the best way to go.”
The rest of the country likely disagrees. However, Trump’s penchant for discord and reports from inside the White House indicate that McMaster will probably not be the last to go.
UPDATE: The White House Press Secretary sent out this tweet shortly after the Post’s story was published:
Just spoke to @POTUS and Gen. H.R. McMaster – contrary to reports they have a good working relationship and there are no changes at the NSC.
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) March 16, 2018
Featured Image via Wikimedia Commons
