Trump names NC Congressman Mark Meadows next White House chief of staff

WASHINGTON — North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows will replace Mick Mulvaney as President Donald Trump’s chief of staff.

“I am pleased to announce that Congressman Mark Meadows will become White House Chief of Staff. I have long known and worked with Mark, and the relationship is a very good one. I want to thank Acting Chief Mick Mulvaney for having served the Administration so well. He will become the United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland. Thank you!”

I am pleased to announce that Congressman Mark Meadows will become White House Chief of Staff. I have long known and worked with Mark, and the relationship is a very good one....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 7, 2020

Meadows, who is a Republican and a Trump loyalist, said in December that he would not seek reelection.

That announcement came a day after the House voted to impeach Trump on charges that he abused his power and obstructed Congress.

“My work with President Trump and his administration is only beginning,” Meadow said in a statement released in December. “This president has accomplished incredible results for the country in just three years, and I’m fully committed to staying in the fight with him and his team to build on those successes and deliver on his promises for the years to come. I’ve always said Congress is a temporary job, but the fight to return Washington, DC to its rightful owner, We The People, has only just begun."

Meadows didn’t run for re-election for his #NC11 seat. The race is second primary eligible between Meadows endorsed Lynda Bennett and Madison Cawthorn #ncpol @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/Lx9VB2evpk
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) March 7, 2020

Meadows is a longtime leader of the House Freedom Caucus, which pushed conservative policies, often rebelling against House Republican leaders.

The decision comes as the Trump administration has faced criticism for its handling of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Mulvaney had been leading the interagency response to the virus until Trump designated Vice President Mike Pence to lead the whole-of-government effort more than a week ago.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.