President Donald Trump has told Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., that he is needed in Congress and will not be Trump's next chief of staff, the White House said Wednesday.
Press secretary Sarah Sanders says Trump spoke Wednesday with the North Carolina Republican.
She says, "The president told him we need him in Congress, so he can continue the great work he is doing there."
The chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus was on an initial list of four people Trump was considering to replace John Kelly after his first choice, Nick Ayers, pulled himself out of the running Sunday.
Meadows' allies initially suggested he was not interested in the challenging role, but he issued a public statement Monday stating he was willing to serve.
Trump's decision is expected by the end of the year.
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