John Kelly: I Never ‘Called The President An Idiot’

White House chief of staff John Kelly on Tuesday denied that he “ever called the President an idiot,” as asserted in Bob Woodward’s new book. Read his full statement below, including some language from May that Kelly re-used:

The idea I ever called the President an idiot is not true. As I stated back in May and still firmly stand behind: “I spend more time with the President than anyone else, and we have an incredibly candid and strong relationship.  He always knows where I stand, and he and I both know this story is total BS.  I’m committed to the President, his agenda, and our country.  This is another pathetic attempt to smear people close to President Trump and distract from the administration’s many successes.