WH Had Press Release Announcing Ayers As Chief Of Staff Drafted Before He Said No

Amir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait (L) and U.S. President Donald Trump take questions from reporters during a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House September 7, 2017 in Washington, DC. Following meetings and a working luncheon, the two leaders talked about their ongoing military cooperation and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 07: Vice Presidential Chief of Staff Nick Ayers (L) talks with White House Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway before a joint news conference with Amir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-S... WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 07: Vice Presidential Chief of Staff Nick Ayers (L) talks with White House Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway before a joint news conference with Amir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait and U.S. President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House September 7, 2017 in Washington, DC. Following meetings and a working luncheon, the two leaders talked about their ongoing military cooperation and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) MORE LESS
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The White House had a press release announcing Vice President Chief of Staff Nick Ayers as President Trump’s pick to replace soon-departing Chief of Staff John Kelly drafted before Ayers ultimately declined the offer on Sunday, according to The New York Times.

Seen as the top, and only, contender for the post, Trump reportedly wanted Ayers’ appointment to be announced “as soon as possible,” in the Times’ words.

But Trump and Ayers could not come to an agreement on the conditions of Ayers appointment, according to the Times. Ayers wanted to serve on an interim basis, while Trump wanted him to stay in the post longterm. Three people familiar with the events told the Times that the two also couldn’t agree on who Ayers could get rid of on staff.

Ayers announced Sunday that he would be leaving the administration at the end of the year and wanted to return to Georgia and spend more time with his family. The top Pence aide is widely considered a potential candidate for office in Georgia and likely wanted to put some separation between himself and a mercurial Trump to boost his political career.

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