The Real Reason Kellyanne Conway Is Leaving The White House
Although staff shakeups have arguably become the norm for President Donald Trump's administration, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway has remained one of its constant figureheads since 2017. However, in a somewhat shocking turn of events, Kellyanne announced that she plans to leave her post by the end of August 2020, as she and her husband, George Conway, look to "devote more time to family matters," according to a statement Kellyanne shared via Twitter. George also plans to withdraw from his role at The Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump group formed by Republicans.
"I will be transitioning from the White House at the end of this month. George is also making changes," she said. "We disagree about plenty but we are united on what matters most: the kids. Our four children are teens and 'tweens starting a new academic year, in middle school and high school, remotely from home for at least a few months. As millions of parents nationwide know, kids 'doing school from home' requires a level of attention and vigilance that is as unusual as these times."
Kellyanne made it a point to assure the public that the idea was "completely [her] choice and [her] voice." She added, "In time, I will announce future plans. For now, and for my beloved children, it will be less drama, more mama."
So is there more to this story? As some observers of Kellyanne might have already expected, there's plenty of additional information to share.
Claudia Conway claims her mom's job 'ruined' her life
Despite her high-profile position, Kellyanne Conway's children have managed to avoid the spotlight — minus her daughter, Claudia Conway, who was born in 2004. Throughout 2020, for instance, Claudia has taken to Twitter and TikTok to speak out against her mother's support for the Trump administration. Not only has Claudia distanced herself from Kellyanne's political views time and time again, but she also caused an uproar on social media when addressing her mom's decision to speak at the Republican National Convention on behalf of Donald Trump's re-election campaign.
It all started on Aug. 22, 2020, when Claudia tweeted that she was "devastated" to learn Kellyanne was scheduled to speak at the RNC. Claudia followed that post with an unexpected revelation, writing, "[I]'m officially pushing for emancipation. buckle up because this is probably going to be public one way or another, unfortunately. welcome to my life." The teen also said that her "mother's job ruined" her life. "[H]eartbreaking that she continues to go down that path after years of watching her children suffer," she shared. "[S]elfish. it's all about money and fame, ladies and gentlemen."
Although Twitter assumed Claudia's plans to seek emancipation were motivated by nothing more than her mom's job, Claudia clarified that she came to this decision after "years" of alleged "childhood trauma and abuse."
Claudia Conway defended her right to speak out
Alongside her push for emancipation, Claudia Conway also noted on Twitter that she's "been using social media as an outlet to express my passions, individuality, and to shed light on some hardships" and she has "been vulnerable for a reason." Yet, while she thanked her supporters for lifting her up, she also announced her own Twitter hiatus in response to those who constantly tear her down. "[T]his is becoming way too much so i am taking a mental health break from social media," Claudia posted. "[S]ee y'all soon. thank you for the love and support. no hate to my parents please."
However, mere hours later, Claudia reappeared on TikTok to address her parents' decision to resign from their respective positions. "Y'all I know I said I was taking a break but... umm..." the teen uttered, as her mother's resignation tweet served as the backdrop, per Refinery29. "Look what I did. Look at what I did, ladies and gentlemen. Look at what I did," she added, as she addressed her father's announcement in another video. But, as Claudia signaled in the caption, their efforts won't deter her from seeking emancipation.
Although critics have accused Claudia of "disrespecting" her parents, the teen noted she's "simply speaking [her] mind." She continued, per Business Insider, "[I] am my own person. i possess just as much respect and intellect as you do. what i do and how i use my platform is for the betterment of my generation."
Kellyanne and George Conway's marriage is complicated
Although Kellyanne Conway and lawyer George Conway seemingly are committed to their relationship, the pair continues to clash over politics because, like their daughter Claudia, George doesn't support the current White House administration. Although he and Kellyanne are decidedly Republican, George has adopted an anti-Trump stance that has caused friction between them. Some might remember when George took his first public jab at Kellyanne in 2019, signaling a potentially new dynamic between the couple, as Business Insider noted.
"The exchanges that are being witnessed between Kellyanne and her husband George are not indicative of a thriving, fortified relationship," Washington life coach Sara Oliveri told Quartz about Kellyanne and George's disconnect. "The research actually, specifically says literally 'If you want your relationship to survive, then you have to take your spouse's side in public.'" Oliveri added that to truly thrive, couples must publicly assert they "come as a package deal" so your partner doesn't "feel rejected and hung out to dry."
What's also interesting? Kellyanne told The Washington Post in August 2018 about how it's "ridiculous" that there's a "part of [George] that thinks I chose Donald Trump over him." However, she also revealed to Fox Business in March 2019 that her husband has asked her to leave her job on multiple occasions.
We guess we'll have to wait and see how this all shakes out for Kellyanne, George, Claudia, and the rest of their family.