Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Thursday evening thanked President Trump for “the honor of a lifetime” as he officially exited the administration.
Spicer, who resigned in late July after Trump brought on Anthony Scaramucci as communications director, had been working on and off throughout August but sent a goodbye email to colleagues on Thursday.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the President and the American people as the White House press secretary,” Spicer wrote.
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“I especially want to thank the President and the First Lady for their support during my tenure and for giving me this opportunity. Walking into the White House every day is a privilege that few in our country experience and I am grateful for it.”
Spicer praised the White House communications team, which has been criticized at times by Trump’s supporters for failing to control the media and get the president’s message out.
“I would not have been able to do my job without the amazing team the President has assembled, especially the dedicated members of the communications, digital and press teams,” Spicer wrote.
“I also am eternally grateful to the countless additional staffers who support the White House daily — including the service members of White House Military Office, the Secret Service, the Residence Staff, and so many other talented individuals,” he added.
“As I sign off this email address for a final time, I want to say thanks. I am proud to have worked with each and every one of you.”
Spicer had a largely tense relationship with the press covering Trump’s young administration, starting with a combative press conference the day after Trump entered office in January.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has taken over the daily briefings while the communications director job remains vacant after Scaracmucci was fired after 10 days.