John Kelly is a good choice, but only if Trump empowers him

Donald Trump has appointed John Kelly to be his new chief of staff. Kelly leaves the Department of Homeland Security and replaces Reince Priebus. This is a good appointment.

It was clear that Priebus had lost control in the White House. As I noted yesterday, the effort by newly appointed communications director, Anthony Scaramucci, to replace Priebus was gathering steam. While Trump has treated Priebus poorly, leaking his concerns to the press for months, it was clear something had to give. And that wasn’t going to be Trump.