Top Trump aides Johnny DeStefano and Shahira Knight leaving the White House
Two top White House aides — Shahira Knight and Johnny DeStefano — are heading for the exits.
Knight has served as the White House legislative affairs director, making her a key liaison between the White House and Capitol Hill. She is leaving for the private sector.
"Shahira has done a wonderful job as my legislative affairs director. She was outstanding for us and for our country and will be a tremendous success in the private sector," the president said in a statement to CBS News.
DeStefano is one of the president's longest-serving top aides, is leaving the White House, further thinning out the ranks of aides who have served in the administration since the very beginning.
His last day is Friday, according to a White House official. The Washington Post first reported his anticipated departure. DeStefano has worked as an assistant and counselor to the president. DeStefano later confirmed his impending departure on Twitter, and the president said he will be missed.
Johnny, we will miss you – you did a great job! https://t.co/eXaASLgeSh
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 21, 2019
Larry Kudlow, the president's top economic adviser, also had glowing words for DeStefano.
"I love the guy — no one better," Kudlow said in a statement provided to CBS News. "Johnny is indefatigable, knowledgeable, worthy of the highest praise, and personnel is policy. He served the president extremely well."
DeStefano served in the Office of Presidential Personnel in the administration's first days, helping beef up the administration's staffing. A longtime figure in Republican politics, he also served as a top aide to former speaker of the House John Boehner.