The palace intrigue at the White House has seemingly seeped into national security affairs. Derek Harvey, a top Middle East adviser, has been fired from the National Security Council, reportedly because of his disagreements with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis.
Harvey, TWS explains, is hawkish on policy. He was an influential force in President Trump’s review of the Iran nuclear deal. He was also a key supporter of Trump’s decision to bomb a Syrian airbase believed to be the source of a deadly chemical attack launched by President Bashar al-Assad.
Mattis and Tillerson were reportedly at odds with Harvey’s aggressive approach.
In addition to the tension between him and these two White House officials, TWS also cites Harvey’s close relationship with White House strategist Steve Bannon as a reason for his dismissal.
He may remain in government, and there appears to be no ill will, according to NSC spokesman Michael Anton.
"General McMaster greatly appreciates Derek Harvey's service to his country as a career Army officer, where he served his country bravely in the field and played a crucial role in the successful surge in Iraq, and also for his service on Capitol Hill and in the Trump administration," NSC spokesman Michael Anton said. "The administration is working with Colonel Harvey to identify positions in which his background and expertise can be best utilized."
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There has been plenty of turnover at the White House lately, especially on the communications staff. Press Secretary Sean Spicer stepped down, leaving way for Sarah Huckabee Sanders's promotion, and the hiring of Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci. Trump has also threatened to fire his Attorney General Jeff Sessions, which members of his party are not taking all that well.
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