Trump dumps Bannon, who returns to conservative website

WASHINGTON (AP) — Steve Bannon, the blunt-spoken and divisive strategist who went from Donald Trump’s victorious campaign to a top White House post, has been pushed out by the president, capping a turbulent seven months that witnessed the departure of much of Trump’s original senior staff.

A favorite on the farther-right flank of the Republican Party, Bannon had pressed Trump to follow through on contentious campaign promises, such as banning travel from some predominantly Muslim countries and pulling out of the Paris climate agreement. Bannon left the White House on Friday and immediately returned as executive chairman to Breitbart News, which he led before joining Trump’s campaign. The news site said Bannon presided at its Friday evening editorial meeting.

Trump has not spoken publicly about his latest personnel decision, but he tweeted praise for Bannon’s return to the conservative news outlet.

“Steve Bannon will be a tough and smart new voice at @BreitbartNews … maybe even better than ever before. Fake News needs the competition!” Trump said Saturday in one of two tweets. He also thanked Bannon for serving.

“He came to the campaign during my run against Crooked Hillary Clinton – it was great! Thanks S,” the president said.