President Trump’s advisers are pushing him to consider Johnny DeStefano, a young, lesser known, but well-liked aide to replace John Kelly as chief of staff when he exits at the end of the year, according to the Los Angeles Times.
According to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to the Times, several of Trump’s closest advisers think DeStefano is a good choice. The 39-year-old previously served as an aide to former House Speaker John Boehner and has been working as Trump’s director of personnel. DeStefano was also heavily involved in election efforts during the midterms, while juggling overseeing the Office of Public Liaison, according to the Times.
After his top choice, Nick Ayers — the chief of staff to the Vice President — turned down the gig, Trump has been scrambling to interview contenders for the role and said Thursday that he it talking with five “terrific people” for the job.
