Ex-WH Aide Who Mocked McCain For ‘Dying’ Joins Pro-Trump Super PAC

on October 27, 2009 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 27: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) hold a news conference to announce the introduction of "The Post-9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act" at the U.S. Capitol October 27, 2009 in Washington, DC. The ... WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 27: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) hold a news conference to announce the introduction of "The Post-9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act" at the U.S. Capitol October 27, 2009 in Washington, DC. The bill will expand the Troops to Teachers program by reducing length of military service requirements for participants, expanding the number of school districts at which troops may receive a stipend to teach and other changes. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) MORE LESS
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

A former White House aide who once made fun of the late-Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) for “dying” will head communications for a pro-Trump super PAC called America First Action, CNN reported Friday.

In a statement to the network, Kelly Sadler, who once served as a communications aide in the White House before departing last summer, said she was excited to do “everything in my power to help reelect” Trump.

Sadler left the White House after remarks she made during a communications meeting were leaked to the press. During the meeting, Sadler reportedly mocked McCain, saying his opposition to the nomination of now-CIA Director Gina Haspel didn’t matter because the late senator was “dying anyway.” McCain passed away from a battle with brain cancer in August.

Sadler never apologized publicly for the remark, but privately called McCain’s daughter Meghan McCain to apologize.

The episode launched the White House into hyper-paranoid mode, sparking efforts to combat leaking by cutting down the size of the communications staff and banning personal cell phones within the West Wing.

Latest News
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: