Administration

Concerns abound in White House about staff shortages in legal, press offices: report

White House aides are reportedly concerned that President Trump will be unprepared should Democrats take back the House in November as the administration’s legal and communications staff continue to shrink.

The Associated Press reported on Friday growing concerns within the administration about recent attrition, job changes and firings through the White House that have especially hit the communications and legal departments.

The report, citing nine current and former White House staffers and administration allies, said that the attrition has raised concerns President Trump will be unprepared should Democrats take over the House in November, especially amidst a probe from special counsel Robert Mueller.

 {mosads} In the legal department, the departure this week of White House Counsel Don McGahn has exacerbated these concerns, with AP reporting that McGahn’s deputy and chief of staff, Annie Donaldson, is also expected to leave soon, according to two staff members. 

Meanwhile, there are only four press secretaries working in the White House press office on day-to-day matters, including White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, according to the news agency.

The Trump administration’s regional and Cabinet affairs media teams have also reportedly been reduced.

The problems are also being exacerbated as the White House has struggled to recruit top talent, according to AP.