Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sean Spicer speaks out after quitting as Trump's press secretary: 'It's been an honour'

He says he chose to resign to give the incoming communications director a chance to do things differently

Clark Mindock
New York
Friday 21 July 2017 19:57 BST
Comments
Sean Spicer: I resigned to give the new communications staff 'a clean slate'

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sean Spicer says that his six months serving in the White House was an honour and a privilege

Mr Spicer resigned suddenly from his top White House post this week, citing concern with Donald Trump's decision to hire Anthony Scaramucci as White House communications director.

Mr Spicer's resignation has been rumoured about for months. After a tumultuous start to the year, he became a national target of ridicule, and was mocked by Saturday Night Live with a recurring character portraying him.

The President reportedly asked Mr Spicer to stay on as press secretary after he hired Mr Scaramucci, but Mr Spicer held fast that the appointment was a major mistake.

Mr Scaramucci founded the global investment firm SkyBrdige Capital, and is a Fox News contributor. He also has good relationships with members of the press, including at several outlets that the President has had a particularly tumultuous relationship.

Mr Spicer is a former spokesman for the Republican National Committee, and was seen as an important ally for White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, the former chairman of the Republican Party who refused to try and discredit Mr Trump during the 2016 campaign in spite of frequent calls for him to do so. Mr Spicer's resignation is seen as a major blow to Mr Priebus, as they both worked at the same, more traditionally Republican organisation together.

Mr Scaramucci's appointment follows months after the resignation of Mike Dubke, who was the original communications director in the White House. Mr Trump has since then reportedly been increasingly frustrated with Mr Priebus for taking a long time to fill the position. Mr Priebus has also objected to Mr Scaramucci's appointment, saying that he lacked the organisational and political experience for the gig. Mr Trump apparently disagrees, and has given him a position that has far reaching powers.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in