BREAKING: Sean Spicer resigns from Trump cabinet

The Barrington native quit his position as presidential press secretary Friday

EastBayRI.com ·

Barrington native and Portsmouth Abbey graduate Sean Spicer has reportedly resigned his position as press secretary to President Donald Trump.

Mr. Spicer reportedly submitted his resignation Friday morning soon after the White House announced Wall Street financier Anthony Scaramucci has been appointed as communications director, a position Mr. Spicer had been filling.

Mr. Spicer has had a rocky relationship with the press, beginning the day after President Trump's inauguration when he berated journalists for reporting that the crowd in Washington DC that day was smaller than that for former President Barack Obama's inauguration. His frequent outbursts and confrontational demeanor with reporters was famously lampooned on Saturday Night Live by comedian and actress Melissa McCarthy.

In recent weeks, Mr. Spicer has rarely taken the podium, ceding press briefings to Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Mr. Spicer reportedly had been filling the duties of the vacant Communications Director position prior to Mr. Scaramucci's appointment Friday.

Mr. Spicer graduated from Portsmouth Abbey and Connecticut College. before receiving a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport in 2012. He joined the Naval Reserves in 1999 and holds the rank of commander. Before joining the White House staff in January, he served as communications director for the Republican National Committee.

The White House is expected to release a statement soon. This is a developing story. Check back with eastbayri.com for more information as it becomes available.

Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary