President Trump enjoysthe fervent support of tens of millions of Americans. But his closest friends and paid White House officials — many of the Trumpiest Trumpers we know — are avoiding him like the plague.
Behind the scenes: The president's final days in office will be lonely ones. Some stalwart aides and confidants — after years of enduring the crazy and trying to modulate the chaos — have given up trying to communicate with him, considering him mentally unreachable.
After Congress certified President-elect Biden's victory, Trump declared in a statement tweeted at 3:49 a.m. by aide Dan Scavino: "Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th."
- The statement was the product of hours of efforts by aides trying to get him to grapple with reality.
Stephanie Grisham, the first lady’s chief of staff and a former White House press secretary, resigned.
- Deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, social secretary Rickie Niceta and deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews also resigned, officials told AP.
- More departures are expected.
Trump banned Pence chief of staff Marc Short, among the last loyalists, from the White House yesterday.
- Trump blames Short for the vice president's decision to follow the Constitution as he presided over the Electoral College certification session.
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