House Speaker Paul Ryan issued a statement on Friday about former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, crediting him with revitalizing the GOP as chairman of the Republican National Committee and praising him for his work in President Donald Trump's administration.
"Reince Priebus has left it all out on the field, for our party and our country. Here is a guy from Kenosha, Wisconsin, who revitalized the Republican National Committee and became White House chief of staff. He has served the president and the American people capably and passionately. He has achieved so much, and he has done it all with class. I could not be more proud to call Reince a dear friend," Ryan said.
The Wisconsin Republican also recognized Trump's new chief of staff, former Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, saying, "I congratulate Secretary Kelly on his appointment, and look forward to working with him to advance our agenda."
CNN reported Priebus resigned privately on Thursday and a senior White House official said Friday Trump told his chief of staff two weeks ago he would be replacing him.
Priebus, who was also former chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party, had reportedly been at odds with Anthony Scaramucci, Trump's new communication's director. Trump announced in a series of tweets on Friday Kelly was replacing Priebus as chief of staff.
"I am pleased to inform you that I have just named General/Secretary John F Kelly as White House Chief of Staff. He is a Great American...." Trump tweeted. "...and a Great Leader. John has also done a spectacular job at Homeland Security. He has been a true star of my Administration."
Trump also recognized Priebus in a tweet, saying, "I would like to thank Reince Priebus for his service and dedication to his country. We accomplished a lot together and I am proud of him!"
Kelly will begin his new role on Monday, according to a White House spokesman.