During the brief moment that he was White House communications director, Anthony Scaramucci authored a memo detailing his plans for an overhaul
The so-called “communications plan”, which was published Wednesday by right-wing media personality Mike Cernovich, called for the White House press office to “professionalize” its operations and make more use of Donald Trump’s senior counselor, Kellyanne Conway.
“Implement a series of professionalizing initiatives immediately,” Scaramucci, who lasted just over a week on the job, wrote.
“For example, no [White House] communication staffer goes home without returning all calls, emails, and texts. People may not like our answers – but they should always be treated professionally and respectfully (obviously, this starts with the new Director of Communications).”
Scaramucci’s memo is dated 30 July, two days after his profanity-laced interview attacking fellow White House officials was published by The New Yorker.
Of Conway, who frequently defends Trump on television, Scaramucci added: “She has consistently been the President’s most effective spokesperson, and she provides a direct link to the President’s historic electoral victory.”
The rise and demise of The Mooch
Scaramucci confirmed the authenticity of the memo to BuzzFeed News and suggested he would reveal his next moves as early as next week.
The former hedge fund manager, known by his nickname The Mooch, drew national attention when he was named communications director on 21 July in a move that sparked immediate controversy inside the White House. Sean Spicer resigned as press secretary in protest, and chief of staff Reince Priebus was forced out just a week later, after the interview, in which Scaramucci attacked both Priebus and Steve Bannon, Trump’s chief strategist, was made public by New Yorker writer Ryan Lizza.
In the “communications plan”, Scaramucci makes note of a “to-do list” that includes a possible meeting with Lizza, “not to litigate the past – to reset for moving forward”.
But Scaramucci did not get a chance to implement his plan, as he was abruptly removed from his role on Monday, reportedly at the suggestion of John Kelly, who served as Trump’s secretary for the Department of Homeland Security before being named as the president’s replacement for Priebus as the new chief of staff.
Although he lasted just 11 days at the helm of Trump’s communications team, Scaramucci had ambitious priorities that focused on setting the narrative from the White House as opposed to constantly reacting to he news. He also expressed a desire to improve relations between the Trump administration and the media, but maintained a somewhat skeptical view of the political press.
“Meet with media members (MSM, conservative media, and new media), where possible, on their home turf to build bridges and foster better working relationships,” he wrote. “WH should leave old grudges behind, but never forget.”
The Guardian
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