McConnell, Ryan want Priebus as Trump’s chief of staff: report

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) hope President-elect Donald Trump taps Reince Priebus as his White House chief of staff, according to a new report.

The pair considers the Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman the “best fit” for the critical role, CNN said Friday.

{mosads}Priebus late Thursday, however, poured cold water on the notion of assuming the highest-ranking position in Trump’s future White House.

“That’s not something that we’re talking about,” he told MSNBC’s Chuck Todd. “I know people don’t believe those things when people – but we’re just not talking about those sorts of plans right now.

“I would be honored to continue to help him in any way that I can. But right now I’m chairman of the RNC. I love the job.”

Todd quipped at the end of the interview that he hoped to have the first interview with Priebus as Trump’s chief of staff.

“Oh, please, that’s not – that’s crazy,” Priebus retorted to the MSNBC anchor.

Reports emerged earlier Thursday Priebus is not the only figure in Trump’s orbit under consideration for the role.

Trump’s campaign chief Steve Bannon and campaign manager Kellyanne Conway were both mentioned as contenders.

Other possibilities allegedly include Trump’s former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and deputy campaign manager David Bossie.

Trump shocked the globe late Tuesday by defeating Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton despite trailing her in national polling averages that morning.

The Republican’s win capped off a huge night for the GOP overall, with the party also keeping control of its House and Senate majorities intact.

Trump met with McConnell and Ryan Thursday, touring the Capitol and discussing his agenda with the Republican leaders.

The billionaire vows healthcare reform, strengthening immigration enforcement and significant job creation rank among his first priorities.