Jonathan Swan: “The White House kept it quiet until now, but on Friday the President nearly blocked the Vice President from getting his chosen national security adviser.”
“It’s a highly unusual event, as Trump typically gives Pence a long leash on personnel appointments. This is the first time the President has tried to block Pence from filling a senior staff position. The scene also highlights — once again — the extraordinary importance Trump places on personal loyalty.”
“Trump was furious when he learned Pence was bringing on Nikki Haley’s deputy Jon Lerner, according to three sources familiar with the events. The President believed Lerner was a card-carrying member of the ‘Never Trump’ movement because Lerner crafted brutal attack ads for Club for Growth’s multimillion-dollar anti-Trump blitz during the Republican primaries.”
According to two sources, Trump asked,”Why would Mike do that?”