Keith Schiller, who has a loosely defined role as President Donald Trump's director of Oval Office operations, may be looking to leave his position in the wake of recent changes at the White House.
Three people familiar with Schiller's thinking say that following recent changes – including First Lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump's move to Washington, D.C. and arrival of John Kelly as chief of staff – he is no longer satisfied with his role. His departure could be as soon as two weeks from now, or could be closer to the winter holidays, the New York Times reported.
Schiller worked for Trump pre-presidency since 2004 as head of his security team at Trump Tower in Manhattan, and as Trump's bodyguard. The former New York Police Department detective also served as Trump's "emotional safety blanket" according to the Times.
In terms of aides, Schiller is among the only people Trump fully trusts outsides of his family.
Schiller joined the administration "with little hesitation" after Trump’s election victory. He was not, however, excited about the idea of relocating to Washington, D.C., and living under the microscope of a government job, on a government-capped salary.
Schiller told friends that, given the financial constraints, he hoped to be able to stay in the White House for as long as a year. However, while he initially enjoyed his job and the "newness" of the White House, Schiller has revealed he now dislikes being in the position.
The move by Melania and Barron Trump to the White House in June has lessened the burden imposed on Schiller to be the president’s companion.
After Kelly took the position of chief of staff in July, his presence further created less of a need for Schiller. Kelly began to restore order and procedures that were largely ignored under predecessor Reince Priebus.
The addition of Kelly, who Schiller believes is serving primarily out of a duty to country as opposed to a duty to the president personally, has been "demoralizing" for Schiller. He has been accustomed to Trump being surrounded by devoted employees, two people familiar with the situation told Bloomberg.
A Trump spokeswoman did not respond to an email from the Times seeking comment. Schiller could not be reached for comment either.