A top White House official on Monday described the departure of adviser Kellyanne Conway as a “big blow.”
“Kellyanne’s going to be missed. America loves her. We certainly will miss her here at the White House. But listen, this is all about making a priority for family. That’s what this president’s about, and that’s what Kellyanne Conway’s about,” White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said during an appearance on “CBS This Morning.”
“It’ll be a big hole, a big blow to us.”
Conway said she is doing so to focus on her family. Her husband George Conway, is leaving the Lincoln Project, a political action committee composed of former and current Republicans who oppose President Donald Trump.
Leading up to the moves, Conway family drama involving their teenage daughter had increasingly spilled into the public view, with encouragement from reporters at outlets including the New York Times.
Meadows said White House staffers will be praying for Conway as she transitioned away from the role she’s held since Trump entered office in 2017.
“I believe if you ask Kellyanne Conway, she believes she made the right decision for her family,” he said, immediately dismissing speculation from the anchor that Conway was leaving because she fears Trump will lose in November.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Meadows said Conway was a vital part of the Trump team, both on the campaign and once the president took office.
“Her decision, which is obviously a private decision for her, is one that we’re going to embrace and encourage her as she refocuses back with her family,” Meadows added.
“That doesn’t surprise me for her as much as it is really one that is to be supported by everyone here at the White House.”
Conway, who was Trump’s campaign manager when he won the 2016 election, is on the Republican National Convention speaker schedule for Wednesday.
The White House has not yet announced a replacement for Conway.
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