President Donald Trump has in recent weeks has been peppering outside advisers, former aides and current staffers with questions about Mick Mulvaney, who is the head of the Office of Budget and Management, as well as the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, Politico reported.
Specifically: “What do we think about Mick” for the next chief of staff?
According to several current and former officials and Republicans close to Trump who spoke to Politico, Mulvaney has emerged a Trump favorite ever since the government shutdown in January, when Trump was reportedly pleased with his performance. While Politico reported that there is no clear indication that Kelly has concrete plans to leave the White House, it’s long been reported that Kelly is unhappy in his role and could be on his way out.
Mulvaney is also reportedly interested in the gig, vying for the top White House job by asking Republicans outside the West Wing to “put in a good word on his behalf” with Trump, in Politico’s words.
Trump is also reportedly asking advisers about Nick Ayers, Vice President Mike Pence’s chief of staff.
A White House official told TPM that the reports on Trump eyeing Mulvaney to replace Kelly are inaccurate.
Jagger? One of the gods or rock, as well as…
Oh. Mulvaney. Another ass licking corrupt grifter. Does Trump hire anyone else?
That photo is a real stomach-turning twofer - Mulvaney the dweeb-weasel in front, and Devos, the Christo-fascist birdbrain in the background. Please TPM, I’ve gotta try to make it through another day…
Among all of the sleaze bubbling around the cabinet - I get the sense that Mulvaney is the most viperish. Seems like a rattlesnake ready to strike. One can almost see the treachery dripping from his fingertips. It might be interesting to see how he would fare in the position most-likely to be turned on by Trump (because it is the position that is supposed to give the most advising - and Trump resents that).
The big question, given his viperish disposition - is what does Mulvaney hope to gain? This isn’t a stepping stone position for higher office. Leaving one to think that it is because he could directly ‘dole out’ presidential attention to favored donors that he might want this slot. Someone should keep an eye on any private/offshore bank accounts he has recently opened.
Mulvaney is smart and knows his way around Capitol Hill. He’s good at presenting his extreme Freedom Caucus positions to the inner circle in ways they’ll accept at least part of his proposals.
He’s also ambitious. Now 51, he has his eyes on Trump’s chair.
It amazes me that anyone with another option would take a job in this administration. It’s a testament to the level of ego and greed for power these people can have. Any moderately intelligent person is capable of seeing what you’re walking into. But sometimes that lust can blind you and against that faint whisper in the back of your mind you go ahead.