Donald Trump’s new communications chief has admitted he “made a mistake” after launching a foul-mouthed tirade against a number of his colleagues.
In a bizarre rant, Anthony Scaramucci called the White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus a “paranoid schizophrenic” and threatened to "eliminate everyone" in his communications team.
Moving on to President Trump’s chief strategist, he said, “I'm not Steve Bannon."
"I'm not trying to suck my own c**k."
Mr Scaramucci was implying that Mr Bannon places his own interests ahead of those of the White House.
He insisted that, in contrast, he was not trying to build his “own brand off the f***ing strength of the President.”
Phone call
Mr Scaramucci delivered the diatribe after phoning reporter Ryan Lizza on Wednesday night.
He had contacted him to demand he reveal the source of information tweeted about a dinner between President Donald Trump, media figures and himself.
On Thursday evening, Mr Scaramucci tweeted that he "made a mistake in trusting in a reporter", adding "it won't happen again."
I sometimes use colorful language. I will refrain in this arena but not give up the passionate fight for @realDonaldTrump's agenda. #MAGA
— Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) July 27, 2017
I made a mistake in trusting in a reporter. It won't happen again.
— Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) July 28, 2017
Mr Lizza noted that Mr Scaramucci initiated the call with him and had not requested that his words remain off-the-record.
The publication of the outburst has prompted fresh questions over chaos in the White House.
Professional rivalry
The Communications Director is believed to have an intense rivalry with Mr Priebus and Sean Spicer - who resigned his post as Press Secretary when Mr Scaramucci was hired by Mr Trump one week ago.
During much of the phone call he accused Mr Priebus of attempting to obstruct his success in the White House saying he had "c***-blocked" and orchestrated leaks against him.
As the conversation continued, Mr Scaramucci's tone became more aggressive, and he began referring to himself in the third person as "the Mooch," suggesting he had "nailed" his colleagues for what he believed to be potentially unlawful behaviour.
The publication of the comments on Thursday prompted a mixed reaction from Republicans and shocked glee on Twitter.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that Mr Scaramucci had "used some colourful language" but added she did not expect a repeat performance.
Mr Scaramucci does not have substantial experience as a political spokesperson and founded a hedge fund before joining the Trump administration.
