FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

News

Trump aide fired over alleged financial crimes finds new job in Trump campaign

It's been a whirlwind day for John McEntee!

President Donald Trump’s personal assistant, John McEntee, was fired and escorted out of the White House Tuesday after his security clearance was denied, the Wall Street Journal first reported. But his exile didn’t last long — according to reports, he was immediately hired as part of Trump’s re-election campaign.

McEntee is reportedly being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security for financial crimes, which the Wall Street Journal reports are related to online gambling and taxes.

Advertisement

But despite the allegations that prevented him from obtaining a full security clearance, McEntee was immediately rehired by Trump’s reelection campaign, campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement.

"As we build out our operations for the 2018 midterm elections and the 2020 reelection campaign, we are pleased to welcome back two outstanding members of our 2016 team," Parscale said in a statement. "We need the help of proven leaders such as Katrina and John to promote the President's growing portfolio of achievements across the country."

The turnover in Trump’s White House has been record-setting, proving double that of President Ronald Reagan and triple that of Obama’s, according to a study by the Brookings Institute.

In the past two weeks, the administration saw at least five high-profile exits, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, National Economic Council director Gary Cohn, and White House communications director Hope HIcks.

Earlier in February, White House chief of staff John Kelly ordered a total overhaul of the White House security clearance process after allegations of domestic abuse against aide Rob Porter surfaced in the process. Kelly changed the rules after saying too many staffers held temporary clearances. Senior adviser Jared Kushner’s clearance was downgraded as a result, and at least two other staffers were fired — one for domestic abuse allegations, and one for allegedly smoking pot several years before taking the job.

Cover image: John McEntee, special assistant and personal aide follows US President Donald Trump to Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base September 27, 2017 in Maryland. / AFP PHOTO / Brendan Smialowski (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)