Skip to content

Priebus Was One of Shortest-Tenured Chiefs of Staff in History

President Donald Trump’s first chief of staff lasted only 189 days

Former Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus lasted 189 days as President Donald Trump’s chief of staff. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Former Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus lasted 189 days as President Donald Trump’s chief of staff. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

At 189 days, President Donald Trump’s first chief of staff had the shortest tenure of any who was not serving in an interim capacity or leaving with their president. The position was formally established in 1946.

The next shortest tenure among initial chiefs of staff belongs to President Bill Clinton’s childhood friend, Mack McLarty, who is generally remembered as having been out of his league. McLarty lasted nearly three times as long as Priebus.

Chief-Tenure

Recent Stories

Final election results show House Democrats gained a net of one seat

Here’s how the media missed the story, from joy to democracy

Rep. Andy Kim finds ‘shell shock’ among South Korean contacts over martial law

Helmy to resign on Dec. 8, allowing Andy Kim to take Senate seat early

Senate Democrats approve leadership team for new Congress

Supreme Court to hear arguments on youth transgender care ban