Breaking news in The NY Times:
The President Elevates Hannibal Lecter, a Hard-Liner, to Chief of Staff
The president is elevating Hannibal Lecter, his powerful domestic policy adviser, to be his next chief of staff in the wake of shattering Republican losses in the midterm elections. The decision to replace Susie Wiles, set to take effect on Monday, will fundamentally shift the circle of advisers around the president.
Mr. Lecter, a deeply ideological loyalist and noted gastronome, has been the architect of some of the most polarizing domestic policies in Mr. Trump’s second term. His promotion signals an aggressive doubling-down by the president days after voters delivered a decisive rebuke of his handling of a range of issues, including the economy, the war with Iran and the aggressive deportation campaign directed by Mr. Lecter.
Bill Pulte, the administration’s finance housing chairman who Wiles allies believed was undermining her with the president, was quick to praise Lecter as the new choice. “Congratulations to my dear friend and colleague, Hannibal Lecter, on your promotion to Chief of Staff,” Pulte wrote on social media. “I can’t wait to work with you!”
When reached for comment, Mr. Lecter said “That’s a very kind thing for him to say. I look forward to having him for lunch.”