BITES THE DUST

Jared Kushner’s Key Aide Leaving White House

Senior communications official Josh Raffel is on his way out.

Senior White House communications official Josh Raffel is leaving to join the private sector, Axios reported Tuesday. A former Hollywood PR executive, Raffel quickly became the point man for Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump within the White House—handling the “worst stories” and having connections in major publications and TV networks. He also handled communications surrounding the Israel-Palestine negotiations, and a number of issues for the National Economic Council, such as tax reform. “Josh is honest, passionate and thoughtful,” Ivanka Trump told Axios. “Whether it was offering strategic guidance on the communications for tax reform or a foreign trip, Josh's guidance was invaluable. The White House won’t be the same without him.” Raffel’s last day is reportedly sometime within the next two months.