News reports announced this weekend that President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Reince Priebus, Republican National Committee Chairman, to serve in the influential position of White House chief of staff, and Steve Bannon, head of his campaign, as chief strategist and senior counselor.
Priebus, a Washington veteran, has been a loyal supporter of Trump while still maintaining his close ties to Republican leadership, including House Speaker Paul Ryan.
News of Bannon’s position as former Goldman Sachs investment banker and executive chairman of the far-right Breitbart News, has been received with much more caution and criticism.
According to a report by Fox News, “Under Bannon's tenure, the Breitbart News site pushed a nationalist, anti-establishment agenda and became one of the leading outlets of the so-called alt-right -- a movement often associated with white supremacy and a defense of ‘Western values.’"
Priebus responded to his new position with gratitude, "It is truly an honor to join President-elect Trump in the White House as his Chief of Staff. I am very grateful to the President-elect for this opportunity to serve him and this nation as we work to create an economy that works for everyone, secure our borders, repeal and replace Obamacare and destroy radical Islamic terrorism. He will be a great President for all Americans."
CNN reports that Trump's picks signal that he will look to build bridges in Washington and keep continuity with the Republican party's agenda.
“I am thrilled to have my very successful team continue with me in leading our country,” Trump said in the statement. “Steve and Reince are highly qualified leaders who worked well together on our campaign and led us to a historic victory. Now I will have them both with me in the White House as we work to make America great again.”
The White House chief of staff is considered one of the most powerful positions in Washington, charged with helping the president in almost every task and supervising the White House staff.
The press release says that Priebus and Bannon will be “equal partners to transform the federal government, making it much more efficient, effective and productive. Bannon and Priebus will also work together with Vice President-elect Mike Pence to help lead the transition process in the run-up to Inauguration Day.”
May this be a reminder today, to continue to pray for our leaders and all those in authority, as they make significant decisions about who will be appointed to lead our country in the months and years ahead. They surely need our prayers.
Wisdom from God’s Word:
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Read more by Debbie McDaniel at www.debbiemcdaniel.com, https://www.facebook.com/DebbieWebbMcDaniel/, or https://twitter.com/debbmcdaniel.
Photo courtesy: flickr.com
Publication date: November 14, 2016
