White House economic adviser Hassett to step down 'shortly': Trump

World
Europe

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that White House Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Kevin Hassett will "shortly" leave his post, but did not provide a reason for the latest high-level departure from the administration.

"Kevin Hassett, who has done such a great job for me and the Administration, will be leaving shortly. His very talented replacement will be named as soon as I get back to the U.S.," Trump said in a Twitter post on Sunday night as he flew to Europe for a series of state visits.

U.S. President Donald Trump's twitter screenshot. /CGTN Photo

The president in the tweet also thanked Hassett "for all he has done" and said he is a "true friend."

Trump didn't say whether Hassett resigned or was fired, nor did he elaborate on the reason for the personnel change.

Hassett, a 57-year-old Republican from Massachusetts, was sworn in on Sept. 13, 2017 as the 29th chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.

(With input from Xinhua, Reuters)

(Cover: Kevin Hassett, Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers holds a news briefing at The White House on September 10, 2018. /VCG Photo)