“McCarthy Recounts Chilling Phone Call with Trump After Explosive Ouster

Yesterday, former White House Chief of Staff, John F. McCarthy, released details of a terse phone call he had with Donald Trump on the day of his ouster. The incident occurred on November 7, 2018, just hours after McCarthy had been informed of his termination as Chief of Staff. McCarthy, speaking to reporters, recounted the blunt and unceremonious phone call which lasted merely minutes. During the call, Trump made it clear that McCarthy’s departure from the White House was necessary for the sake of the “health of the administration”. Trump made no mention of McCarthy’s service or any gratitude for his time at the White House, proceeding instead to explain his reasoning for the change. He allegedly ended the call without offering a farewell or so much as wishing McCarthy luck. Speaking further on the incident, McCarthy stated that he was surprised and angry at the time. However, upon reflection, he respects Trump’s decision and understands why it had to be done. McCarthy is not the first staff member to be the subject of such a harsh dismissal from the White House. In his time as Chief of Staff, McCarthy witnessed multiple staff members being dismissed in a similar fashion, often with minimal information or courtesy. McCarthy praised his successor, Nick Ayers, as a great fit for the role and expressed hope that Ayers will find more success in his time at the White House. McCarthy has since left the White House and entered the private sector. Though his time as a senior official has come to a close, his story reminds us of the importance of professionalism in any context, even in cases of departure.