The Trump White House has fired its chief usher, Angella Ried, the first woman and second African American to serve in the position.
According to The Washington Post, when Mrs. Reid was reached for comment, she said only that, “I think it’s best if the White House explains.”
Sarah Huckabee Sander, the principal deputy White House press secretary, attempted to explain why the administration chose to relieve Ms. Ried of her duties.
She is no longer employed here at the White House. We left on very good terms and wish her the very best and certainly hope for great things for her in the future. However, it’s not uncommon you might have a transition of staff when a new administration comes in. It’s nothing more than that,” Sander said.
Now, this might be an adequate explanation for other positions within the White House, but this particular job involves a long tenure. There have only been nine chief ushers since the beginning of the 20th century.
Sanders also informed the press that the deputy usher will now serve as the acting usher.
The job of a chief usher is to supervise all activities within the White House residence and acts as a general manager of the building while working closely with the first family.
Ms. Ried has a background in hospitality, having previously worked for the Ritz-Carlton hotel group. She joined the White House in 2011 under the Obama administration after Admiral Stephen W. Rochon stepped down from the position.
The sudden dismissal of any of the White House’s permanent staff is rare especially with someone as experienced as Ms. Ried. Even her predecessor was flabbergasted at her sudden dismissal.
Knowing Angella, I doubt seriously that she would have done something herself to cause this,” Rochon said. “She worked for years in top management in hotels. She knows about hospitality. She is definitely professional but you’re not going to please everybody.”
Three insiders within the White House have said that there were tensions with the staff she managed, as she was viewed as bossier than previous ushers. Sound familiar?
It is not exactly far-fetched to think Trump may have had something to do with her sudden firing. After all, his track record with “nasty” women is not the greatest.
Featured image via Alex Wong/Getty Images