Later in the day, Spicer's resignation has been officially confirmed. Spicer will continue serving as the White House press secretary through August.
"It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve President Donald Trump and this amazing country," Spicer stated on Twitter, confirming earlier reports. "I will continue my service through August."
It's been an honor & a privilege to serve @POTUS @realDonaldTrump & this amazing country. I will continue my service through August
— Sean Spicer (@PressSec) 21 июля 2017 г.
Trump asked Spicer to keep the job, but Spicer stated that selecting Scaramucci was a big mistake, the New York Times reported citing sources who said they were familiar with the matter. Later in the day, Scaramucci denied reports of an infighting.
"I am grateful for Sean’s work on behalf of my administration and the American people," White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement from Trump on Friday. "I wish him continued success as he moves on to pursue new opportunities."
Spicer, Republican, worked as communications director after the departure of Mike Dubke.
Strange times — I just went to ask @PressSec (@seanspicer) a question about @Scaramucci. He slammed the door in my face.
— Jonathan Karl (@jonkarl) 21 июля 2017 г.
.@seanspicer served as White House press secretary for 183 days, conducted 58 on-camera press briefings. https://t.co/yTDbJhja88
— John R Parkinson (@jparkABC) 21 июля 2017 г.
Spicer was also mocked and criticized over his controversial remark comparing Syrian President Bashar Assad and Nazi Germany's leader Adolf Hitler. Spicer put himself in the center of a scandal after he tried to explain President Trump's outrage over Assad’s alleged use of chemical weapons by claiming that even Hitler had not used chemical weapons on his own people. The spokesman then acknowledged that Nazis did use gas at "Holocaust centers" when challenged on the claim.
Trump's choice of Scaramucci was reportedly backed by his son-in-low and adviser Jared Kushner, daughter Ivanka and Wilbur Ross, the Commerce Secretary. White House chief of staff Reince Priebus opposed the move because of Scaramucci's insufficient political experience, the New York Times said.
According to the NBC News, Scaramucci was offered the job on Thursday, when he met with the president and his daughter Ivanka Trump in the Oval Office.
Previous communications director Mike Dubke resigned in late May after three months in office. The White House communications director is responsible for developing and promoting agenda of the US president and leading its media campaign. The director works on speeches of the president and organizes key addresses such as the State of the Union Address.