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The 'phone-a-friend' presidency is upon us Priebus, Bannon form core of Trump's staff plus highlights from 60 Minutes Interview

buzzz worthy. . .

By Mona Austin

A White House that was built by slaves and whose most recent occupants are the first black family may be filled with suspected racists in the upper ranks of leadership during the Trump administration. With no political experience on his resume, President-Elect Donald Trump is taking a "phone-a-friend" approach to hiring and the left has identified one of his first picks as a racist, hate monger. Similar to the rules on popular game show Who Wants t Be A Millionaire? the billionaire businessman must rely on the expertise of staff members to be his life line to be successful in the new job.

Reince Priebus (L), Stephen Bannon (R)

Trump selected the first members of his White House cabinet over the weekend and they are "friends" in the business who have proven their loyalty and helped get him elected. Former RNC Chairman Reince Priebus will become the Chief of Staff and Steve Bannon, former CEO of Breibart will serve as Chief Strategist and Chief counselor. In hiring these two men Trump has not techncally kept his promise to "drain the swamp" of insider politicians. While neither appointee has served in an official government capacity, they both know their way around Washington.

In a statement about his new staffer Trump said:

“I am thrilled to have my very successful team continue with me in leading our country. Steve and Reince are highly qualified leaders who worked well together on our campaign and led us to a historic victory. Now I will have them both with me in the White House as we work to make America great again.”

Bannon's history has raised eyebrows. Protesters are calling for his rejection due to alleged ties to the alt-right and White extremist groups. The conservative Breitbart news site Bannon runs has been a catalyst for fascist views.

This shift in how Trump will lead signifies a major change is heading to Washington where competence has been king. Indeed, Trump said many times he would lead the nation the way he runs his businesses and thus far that looks like a promise he will keep as he surrounds himself with those who know what he doesn't.

As the staff takes shape other figures from the campaign are expected to be offered top positions in the Trump administration. Sarah Palin is reportedly a potential pick for Secretary of the Interior. Tag-along friend, Gov. Christ Christie is being eyed for Attorney General. Former Campaign Manager Kellyanne Conway and surrogate Rudy Giuliani are also in talks to continue on a members of Trump's administrative team. Corey Lewandowski has resigned from CNN in anticipation of getting a position in the upcoming administration. It appears that the prospective hires will dismantle most if not all of President Obama's policies in their effort to "Make America Great Again."

Following a private meeting with Obama last Thursday Trump said he looks forward to working with the current POTUS including receiving "council," indirectly acknowledging his lack of know how.

The future president appeared on "60 Minutes" last night where he seems to deviate from some of his platform issues raised on the campaign trail. Take a look at the video to learn more about Trump's top priorities.


Highlights from 60 Minutes Interview




  • Trump will take a salary of $1 per year of service in the White House
  • Plans to keep certain aspects of Obamacare
  • Will start the deportation of over 2 million immigrants with crimial records immediately
  • Asks protesters to stop and don't be afraid
  • Will build the wall along Mexico border


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