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Trump White House fires chief usher – the first woman and second African American to hold the position

The White House declined to provide any specifics for the reasons behind Reid's departure.

Ashley Parker
Friday 05 May 2017 13:58 EDT
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Donald Trump has fired a number of Obama-era federal workers
Donald Trump has fired a number of Obama-era federal workers (AP)

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The White House has fired its chief usher, Angella Reid, the first woman and second African American to hold the position.

When the White House residence staff arrived at work Friday morning, they were told that Reid was no longer employed, according to someone with knowledge of the dismissal. A White House official confirmed that Reid is no longer working at the White House.

“We are very grateful for her service and wish her the very best,” the official said.

Despite the unusual title, the chief usher oversees all activities in the White House residence and works as general manager of the building, handling everything from the large staff of butlers, maids, chefs, florists and electricians to fiscal, administrative and personal duties.

Reid, who previously worked for the Ritz-Carlton hotel group, joined the White House in 2011 under President Barack Obama.

Donald Trump gestures to the media after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas left the White House
Donald Trump gestures to the media after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas left the White House (Reuters)

She replaced the first African American chief usher, Adm. Stephen W. Rochon, when he left to take a job at the Department of Homeland Security.

The job is one that typically involves a long tenure — there have been just nine since the beginning of the 20th century. The White House declined to provide any specifics for the reasons behind Reid's departure.

The Washington Post

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