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Mike DubkeMike Dubke, a veteran GOP strategist and entrepreneur who's served as White House communications director since early March, has resigned from his post after less than three months on the job, the White House announced this morning.
Dubke, 47, was not part of Trump’s transition team, and accepted the role of White House communications director in February, officially assuming the position in March. He succeeded Jason Miller, who formerly oversaw the communications operation of Ted Cruz’s presidential bid last year before taking an advisory role in the Trump campaign. Miller, who was named communications director in December, resigned only days after landing the position. In the ensuing months until Dubke’s appointment, communications director duties had been handled by White House press secretary Sean Spicer.
The White House said that Dubke had submitted his resignation several weeks ago, but stayed on until after President Trump’s trip to the Middle East and Europe, which concluded over Memorial Day weekend. The White House did not announce a departure date for Dubke, but chief of staff Reince Priebus said Dubke “will remain on board until a transition is concluded.” Spicer will also once again field double duties until a replacement is found.
Prior to joining the White House, Dubke founded Republican media services firm Crossroads Media, which provides strategy and ad services for political candidates and conservative groups such as GOP operative Karl Rove’s super PAC American Crossroads. Dubke later co-founded D.C.-based communications and public affairs firm Black Rock Group.
Politico today reported that Dubke plans to return to BRG.
Dubke in a statement today said “It has been my great honor to serve President Trump and this administration,” and that it has been a “distinct pleasure to work side-by-side, day-by-day with the staff of the communications and press departments."
The Washington Post and other media outlets also reported that Dubke in an email to friends said his reasons for the untimely departure were “personal.”
Dubke’s departure comes amid widespread speculation that a larger shakeup within Trump’s communications team is imminent, as the looming crisis involving investigations into the Trump Administration’s possible collusion with Russia to rig the 2016 election appears to acquire new revelatory details with each passing week.
Spicer is one such staffer whose future on Trump’s team has been the subject of much speculation, with many outlets reporting that he may soon take on a less publicly-visible role.
The Washington Post also reported today that former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, who quit the Trump team after the election, could rejoin Trump’s inner circle to handle communications responses to Russia-related inquiries. Also making a possible return is conservative political activist David Bossie, who was formerly Trump’s deputy campaign manager.
Bossie, speaking with “Fox & Friends” this morning, said he believes the media is out to “destroy” Trump.
Jeffrey Nesbit, who served as communications director for former vice president Dan Quayle, is named assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Kate Bedingfield, White House communications director, will exit at the end of the month. Ben LaBolt, a longtime Biden adviser, will take the CD post.
Cathy Cochran, senior VP in Teneo’s Washington office, has rejoined the US Dept of Agriculture as director in its communications office.
Mexico is working with the DC-based Global Action on Gun Violence to push for “impactful gun violence prevention strategies” in the US.
Douglas Farrar, who was VP-communications and strategy at the Carnegie Center for International Peace, has joined the Federal Trade Commission as PA director.
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