Long before he joined the West Wing, John Kelly was concerned about the apparent free reign given President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to operate "outside his lane," Politico reported.
According to Politico, as Secretary of Homeland Security, Kelly was "livid" when he learned Kushner was back-channeling with some senators on a potential deal to protect Dreamers from deportation — without his knowledge.
An unnamed White House official countered that Kelly wasn't upset, he just wanted to be briefed on administration strategy, Politico reported.
Now that Kelly has imposed more organization in the West Wing as chief of staff, Kushner has complained about his stunted status — including added scrutiny of his Office of American Innovation, Politico reported.
One administration official told Politico Kushner and others appreciate being able to focus on their own work and sit out meetings outside their interests.
And whether Kushner is bristling or relieved, Politico reported, Kelly is making it work.
"Being family members always put them in a different category," said Leon Panetta, a former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton, who worked with Kelly when he served as Defense Secretary and Kelly was his senior military assistant.
"Nevertheless, if you're going to run the White House and be able to serve the president, there's a certain amount of discipline family members have to recognize."
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