Topline
After several Trump officials refused to resign, the Biden administration expelled them.
WASHINGTON DC, JUNE 23: White House Press secretary Sean Spicer (L), and Counselor to... [+] President Kellyanne Conway, arrive in Washington DC for a signing ceremony of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017. The ceremony took place in the East Room of White House on June 23, 2017, in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump thanked Congress and Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin with putting the legislation into effect. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, confirmed the move at a Wednesday press briefing. She said that Biden's goal was to make sure the board members are qualified and aligned to his values. Kellyanne Conway, former senior counselor, is also on the Naval Academys board of directors. Vought was accused by Biden of stalling the OMBs transition. Spicer tweeted photos of the letters received. Vought stated, "No. Vought, who Biden accused of stalling the OMBs transition, and Spicer tweeted photos of the letters they received, with Vought stating, No. During the briefing, Psaki stated that she would let others assess whether Kellyanne Conway and Sean Spicer were qualified or not. She also said that Biden's qualifications are not related to your party registration.
Important Background
Trump used prestigious advisory commissions and boards as a reward to loyalty in the final days of his presidency. This included former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, former National Security Adviser Richard Grenell, former White House communications directors Stephanie Grisham, Hope Hicks, and his former impeachment lawyer Pam Bondi. Andrew Giuliani is the son of Rudy Giuliani.
Tangent
Already shortly after Trump's inauguration, the Biden administration took steps to remove some Trump appointees and other consequential boards. In February, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expelled all Pentagon advisory boards. This dislodged Trump loyalists such as Newt Gingrich, former House Speaker, and Corey Lewandowski (ex-Trump campaign manager).
Big Number
11. According to CNN and Washington Post, that's how many Trump-appointed board members Trump has requested to resign. The list includes Conway, Vought, and Spicer. H.R., a former National Security Advisor, is also included. McMaster and Ret. four-star Army Gen. Jack Keane.
