Dubke resigns as White House communications director

WASHINGTON – Mike Dubke has resigned as White House communications director, a senior administration official confirmed Tuesday, in the first of what could be a series of changes to President Trump’s senior staff amid the growing Russia scandal.

Dubke, who served in the post for three months, tendered his resignation May 18. He offered to stay on to help manage communications in Washington during Trump’s foreign trip, and the president accepted.

Dubke’s last day on the job has not been determined, but it could be Tuesday. He is expected to be at the White House on Tuesday to meet with his staff, said the official, who required anonymity to discuss a personnel move that has not yet been formally announced.

Dubke’s resignation was first reported by Mike Allen of Axios in his Tuesday morning newsletter.

Dubke, who has worked closely with White House press secretary Sean Spicer, served as a behind-the-scenes player helping manage communications strategy, responses to crises such as the firing of James Comey as FBI director, as well as rollout plans for policy and other initiatives.

The communications operation – and Dubke and Spicer specifically – have come under sharp criticism from Trump and many senior officials in the West Wing, who believe the president has been poorly served by his staff, in particular in the aftermath of the Comey firing.

Dubke was the rare Trump newcomer in a White House in which personal relationships and proximity to the president is the currency. He arrived in mid-February, a few weeks into Trump’s term, and struggled to build alliances with some colleagues on the senior staff, not having worked on Trump’s campaign or his transition team.

Jason Miller, the Trump campaign’s senior communications adviser, was slated to serve as communications director in the White House, but he stepped aside a few weeks before Inauguration Day, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.

During the first few weeks of the presidency, Spicer held the dual roles of press secretary and communications director, but it became too much for him. Dubke was then hired to fulfill the communications director responsibilities.

Dubke previously was a Republican strategist who founded Crossroads Media and had long ties to party establishment figures, including strategist Karl Rove.

News

PCHS career coach Shelley Kaler named ACTE national award winner

Local News

Metro Bank named Moody Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year

News

Take to the skies at the 2025 Spray Drone End-User conference

News

Outdoor Alabama: Try Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve for a change

News

ALDOT: Prepare for winter weather

News

Ivey invites students to apply for 2025 Summer internship program

News

Winter weather warnings prompt yard, garden preparations

News

Locals named to WSCC President’s, Dean’s Lists

News

Wallace State signs MOU with Samford University

News

Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee returns to CEPA March 6

News

CEPA to debut theater day camp for area students

News

SpringHill Suites Hotel to break ground in Leeds

News

Leeds chamber of commerce hosts luncheon, recognizes community, business leaders

News

‘Remember, Honor, Teach’

News

Area schools receive dictionary project donation

News

St. Clair school board member Scott Suttle named president-elect of state association

News

St. Clair County Farmers recognized

News

Trussville Rotary names December student, teacher of the month

News

Leeds local business campaigns begin Dec. 13

News

Benedictine Sisters to share collection of nativity sets from around the world during Dec. 15 open house

News

Nominations open for Eagle Awards to honor special contributors to Alabama State Parks

News

Retired Brigadier General shares insights on veteran’s issues

News

Panther Pass deadline Dec. 31

News

Celebrating Cranes in North Alabama Jan. 10-12