Speaker of the House Paul Ryan reportedly asked the White House to reconsider its decision to fire Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price, according to a Tuesday Politico report.
Two people with knowledge of a phone call between Ryan and Chief of Staff John Kelly told the outlet that Kelly called Ryan to let him know about the president’s upcoming decision on Price, reports Politico.
President Donald Trump had become increasingly displeased with media reports about Price taking private jets on taxpayer dollars. One person familiar with the call alleged that Ryan asked Kelly to hold off on the firing, citing Price’s congressional experience as a reason to keep him on.
Kelly told Ryan that the decision was final, a person with knowledge of the situation told Politico.
Price announced his resignation last Friday, almost a week after Politico broke news that Price had been flying around on private jets at the taxpayers’ expense. Price apologized for any distraction he might have caused with his actions in his final letter, promising to do his best to advance the president’s agenda.
Ryan thanked Price for his service last Friday after the former secretary resigned from the White House.
“His vision and hard work were vital to the House’s success passing our health care legislation. I will always be grateful for Tom’s service to this country and, above all, his continued friendship,” Ryan said in his statement.
The White House did not return The Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment in time for publication, while Ryan’s office declined to comment.
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