Sheriff David Clarke's Dream of Working in the White House Crushed by John Kelly

Hiring a former sheriff fighting two wrongful death lawsuits in jails he oversaw wouldn’t be the most outrageous thing the President Trump has done, but it would certainly reinvigorate criticism of an already scandalized administration. Good thing former Marine Corps general John Kelly, Trump’s new Chief of Staff and disaster manager, runs a tight ship!

According to The Daily Beast, Kelly thwarted Trump’s attempt to hire former Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke, a lawless lunatic whose tough-talking caught Trump’s eye during the campaign. This is the same sheriff who suggested Black Lives Matter would partner with ISIS and terrorize America. Also the same sheriff whose jailers laughed as a woman called for help when she went into labor (the child later died).

Clarke really wanted to work in the White House and by several accounts Trump really wanted to hire him — until Kelly stepped in:

Though Clarke had been discussed for a possible White House communications or outreach role, Kelly’s position as chief of staff made the arrangement a “non-starter,” as one senior White House official put it. Earlier this year, while serving as DHS Secretary, Kelly had informed Clarke that an appointment to that department would not happen in part due to scandal surrounding the treatment of inmates in Clarke’s jail, and the ensuing negative media attention.

Good to know that Clarke’s twisted and occasionally fatal approach to law enforcement crosses a line — even if his boss is a senile racist. Clarke’s reputation didn’t prevent him from scoring a “senior advisor” position at pro-Trump super PAC America First Action, however.