Chief strategist Steve Bannon left his role at the White House on Friday following debate about his influence on President Donald Trump in the aftermath of the president’s response to the Charlottesville violence. The New York Times reports that Bannon’s departure may be linked to Trump saying that “both sides” in the white nationalist march are to blame for its deadly results. Having run the conservative website Breitbart News as "the platform for the alt-right," Bannon has been suspected of supporting white nationalism.
“White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and Steve Bannon have mutually agreed today would be Steve’s last day,” White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders revealed in a statement. “We are grateful for his service and wish him the best.”
Throughout the last few months of Trump’s presidency, Bannon gained a reputation as someone who often clashed with other staff members. Trump was even getting tired of Bannon, apparently believing that he thought Bannon was leaking information to the press. The tension grew to the point of both men leaning towards Bannon’s exit before a final decision was made. The former chief strategist reportedly submitted his resignation notice on Aug. 7.
Bannon hinted at his departure on Friday morning, fueling the media’s speculation about the end of his time at the White House. He called the upcoming day "fascinating" on his Twitter account.
This is going to be a fascinating Friday in the great @realDonaldTrump administration. It's all about making America great again. #Integrity
— Stephen K. Bannon (@realSKBannon) August 18, 2017
Following the official announcement of his news, Bannon took to Twitter again, basically seeming to tell us that he made an impact regardless of how things played out. "If you stay true to yourself, your vision and your own values, you can power through and make an impact on modern life," he wrote.
If you stay true to yourself, your vision and your own values, you can power through and make an impact on modern life. Speak up, friends.
— Stephen K. Bannon (@realSKBannon) August 18, 2017
Despite reports of their uneasy relationship, Trump thanked Bannon for his service in a bit of a peculiar way. Flashback Friday to the campaign season, I guess?
I want to thank Steve Bannon for his service. He came to the campaign during my run against Crooked Hillary Clinton - it was great! Thanks S
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2017
According to CNBC, the stock market even went up following the announcement. Traders at the New York Stock Exchange allegedly cheered when they heard about Bannon's departure, but staff members later said that part of the cheering was for a colleague leaving the company.
The Times also pointed out that, among the group of White House officials sworn in back in January, at least eight people have now left the Trump administration. However, Bannon seems to be okay with the change—he had returned to his position at Breitbart News by Friday night.
"In many ways I think I can be more effective fighting from the outside for the agenda President Trump ran on," Bannon announced. "And anyone who stands in our way, we will go to war with."