John Kelly will depart White House by year's end, ending fractious tenure as chief of staff

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John Kelly is expected to depart his role as White House Chief of Staff by the end of the year, President Donald Trump said on Saturday, ending a tenure marked by tensions with his boss and confrontations with other key administration figures.

The president announced the news on the front lawn on the White House, following days of swirling speculation around the retired Marine Corps general's exit for months amid disagreements with Trump. Nevertheless, in his brief remarks to reporters, Trump called Kelly "a great guy" and that he appreciated his service.

"We'll be announcing who will be taking John's place" over the next day or two, Trump said. Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is among the candidates who could succeed Kelly.

Kelly has increasingly clashed with both national security officials and first lady Melania Trump, NBC reported last month. Trump has reportedly shown frustration with Kelly during the chief of staff's tenure.

Kelly's departure follows several months of controversy and turmoil. He reportedly told staff that he would stay in the job until at least 2020.

It also comes at a time when Trump faces increasing pressure over high-stakes trade talks with China, an economy showing signs of shakiness for the first time in his administration, and the special counsel's investigation into potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.

The president will also have to contend with a divided Congress, as Democrats are slated to take over the House in January. Kelly isn't known as a political operator.

Kelly succeeded Reince Priebus, the former head of the Republican Party. The president's chaotic management style made the job particularly difficult for both men. Kelly's disciplined management.

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