US President Donald Trump has replaced his beleaguered White House chief of staff, Reince Priebus, after only six months on the job and replaced him with retired General John Kelly in a major shakeup of his top team.

Trump announced the move in a tweet today, a day after his new communications director, Anthony Scaramucci, accused Priebus of leaking information to reporters in a profanity-laced tirade.

Trump issued his decision just as he landed aboard Air Force One after a visit to Long Island.
Priebus was on the plane with him and left with no comment.

Trump had lost confidence in Priebus, privately questioning his competence after major legislative items failed to pass the US Congress, a Trump confidant said.

Kelly has been secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

"Reince is a good man," Trump told reporters after he got off Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews on the outskirts of Washington.

He said Kelly would do a "fantastic job".

I am pleased to inform you that I have just named General/Secretary John F Kelly as White House Chief of Staff. He is a Great American....

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2017

...and a Great Leader. John has also done a spectacular job at Homeland Security. He has been a true star of my Administration

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2017

I would like to thank Reince Priebus for his service and dedication to his country. We accomplished a lot together and I am proud of him!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2017

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