White House Chief of Staff John has reportedly called Donald Trump an "idiot" multiple times, an allegation denied by the retired general who dismissed it as another "pathetic attempt" to smear people close to the president.
A report by NBC news, based on multiple unnamed sources from the White House, alleged that Kelly has referred to Trump as "an idiot" multiple times.
NBC News report described a number of fights between Trump and his embattled chief of staff. The outlet reported that Kelly often tells senior aides that they have to save the president from himself and his impulses and that Trump does not understand policy.
"He doesn't even understand what DACA is. He's an idiot," Kelly told White House aides, according NBC News, which cites two White House officials present for the meeting.
Kelly flatly denied the news report.
"I spend more time with the President than anyone else and we have an incredibly candid and strong relationship. He always knows where I stand and he and I both know this story is total B..l S..t I am committed to the President, his agenda, and our country," he said.
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"This is another pathetic attempt to smear people close to President Trump and distract from the administration's many successes," Kelly said in a statement.
Hours later, Kelly was joined by President Trump himself on Twitter to refute such an impression of the White House.
"The fake news is going crazy making up false stories and using only unnamed sources (who don't exist). They are totally unhinged, and the great success of this Administration is making them do and say things that even they can't believe they are saying. Truly bad people!" said the US President.
"The White House is running very smoothly despite phony witch hunts etc," he said.
"There is great energy and unending stamina, both necessary to get things done. We are accomplishing the unthinkable and setting positive records while doing so! Fake News is going "bonkers!" Trump said.
NBC said that Kelly has eroded morale in the West Wing in recent months with comments to aides that include insulting the president's intelligence and casting himself as the saviour of the country.
Meanwhile, three other White House spokespersons told NBC that they do not believe that Kelly ever called Trump an idiot.