First family appoints new White House chief usher after firing Obama-era usher Angella Reid

The president turned to a Trump Organization employee to run the residence staff at the White House

Published June 24, 2017 2:24PM (EDT)

 (AP)
(AP)

The first family has found their new White House chief usher in Timothy Harleth, the former director of rooms at Trump International Hotel just down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Harleth replaces Angella Reid, the Obama-era appointee — and first woman to hold the position — who was let go shortly after Trump moved into the White House.

“I am so pleased that Timothy will be joining our team,” First Lady Melania Trump said in a statement. “He was selected because of his impressive work history and management skills. My husband and I know he will be successful in this vital role within the White House.”

“I am so honored at the opportunity to serve the First Family in their new home,” Harleth said in a White House statement. “I look forward to applying my experience with hospitality, leadership, and political protocol in order to ensure the First Family’s needs are met, while also protecting and preserving the rich history of the White House. I am excited to work alongside the accomplished and professional staff who are already in place.”

President Trump's firing of Reid raised some eyebrows shortly after the decision was made. The White House chief usher position, which oversees the residence staff at the White House, does not typically change from administration to administration. Former President Barack Obama hired Reid in 2011. She worked for over 25 years in hotel management with Ritz-Carlton, managing properties in Miami, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia.


By Taylor Link

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