US: Kellyanne Conway, Trump's long-time aide, is quitting White House
Senior White House Adviser Kellyanne Conway, seen as one of the most loyal aides of US President Donald Trump, said on Sunday (local time) that she will be leaving the administration by the end of this month to focus on her family. Her husband George, a vocal critic of Trump, also announced he is leaving The Lincoln Project, citing similar reasons.
The 53-year-old was involved in Trump's campaign during the 2016 Presidential elections and after his win became one of his senior counselors. She has informed Trump, who is seeking re-election in November, of her decision. She is still scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention, an event where Republicans will formally choose Trump as their Presidential candidate, on Wednesday.
In a statement posted on social media, Kellyanne said, "I will be transitioning from the White House at the end of this month," adding that George is also making some changes. "Our four children are teens and tweens starting a new academic year, in middle school and high school, remotely from home for at least a few months," she added.
Kellyanne then said that she, like millions of parents, understands that kids need "attention and vigilance" to keep up with the unusual times. Though she didn't mention the coronavirus pandemic, her statement made it amply clear that shuttered schools have made it difficult for her to juggle work and home. She revealed she would announce her future plans soon.
I'm Leaving the White House. Gratefully Humbly.
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) August 24, 2020
Here is my statement:https://t.co/MpYxVfrY2N
God Bless You All.
Minutes before Kellyanne's announcement, George wrote on Twitter he was parting ways with The Lincoln Project, a platform formed by Trump-opposing Republicans who want to see him defeated. George said he would devote more time to family and would also stay away from Twitter for some time. "Needless to say, I continue to support the Lincoln Project and its mission. Passionately, (sic)" he wrote.
So I’m withdrawing from @ProjectLincoln to devote more time to family matters. And I’ll be taking a Twitter hiatus.
— George Conway (@gtconway3d) August 24, 2020
Needless to say, I continue to support the Lincoln Project and its mission. Passionately.
The couple's decision to end their respective gigs comes at a time when their differing political opinions hogged the limelight in US politics. Kellyanne has been one of Trump's loudest defenders, speaking amazing things about his administration in interviews and also stepping up as a "crisis-manager" whenever critics launched a blitzkrieg. She was also frequently seen during Trump's press briefings on coronavirus.
In sharp contrast to Kellyanne, George has been berating Trump. Along with Republicans Steve Schmidt, John Weaver, and Rick Wilson, George founded The Lincoln Project in 2019 with a motive to defeat "Trump and Trumpism at the ballot box." Recently, the campaign released an advertisement raising concerns about Trump's well-being, with an intention to imply that he is unfit to remain in office.
Trump too has taken different approaches towards Kellyanne and George. While he has told several times he admires how the former works and praised her unrelenting dedication towards the US, he slammed George, calling him a "stone-cold LOSER & husband from hell!" in March. In response, George had said Trump's reaction only proves his point that he doesn't deserve the country's highest office.
