Vice President Mike Pence's Chief of Staff, Nick Ayers, was being considered to replace White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. Ayers took to Twitter on Sunday to let Americans know that he will be leaving the White House at the end of the year, putting to rest the idea that he would fill Kelly's role.
Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause. ???? #Georgia
— Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018
According to the New York Times, Ayers wants to return to Georgia, where his family is from. He was willing to accept the position on an interim basis but Trump declined. He wants someone to fill the position permanently as he begins to gear up for the 2020 presidential election.
Other rumored contenders include: Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin; Budget director, Mick Mulvaney; and the United States trade representative, Robert Lighthizer.