Donald Trump has parted ways with his longtime aide (and self-described political “hit man”) Roger Stone. The circumstances of Stone’s departure are unclear: Trump’s camp says he was fired while Stone maintains he resigned Saturday because Trump’s public feuds keep distracting from “restoring national pride and bringing jobs back to America.” “Unfortunately, the current controversies involving personalities and provocative media fights have reached such a high volume that it has distracted attention from your platform and overwhelmed your core message,” Stone wrote in a purported letter of resignation, which he provided to MSNBC. “With this current direction of the candidacy, I no longer can remain involved in your campaign.”

In a letter released to The Daily Beast, Stone writes:

Dear Donald:

We have enjoyed a close relationship - both personal and political/professional - since the 1980s. You know that I wish only the best for you.

I was proud to have played a role in the launch of your presidential campaign. Your message of "Make America Great Again" harkened back to the Reagan era. Restoring national pride and bringing jobs back to America - your initial and still underlying message - is a solid conservative message. In fact, it catapulted you instantly into a commanding lead in the race.

Unfortunately, the current controversies involving personalities and provocative media fights have reached such a high volume that it has distracted attention from your platform and overwhelmed your core message. With this current direction of the candidacy, I no longer can remain involved in your campaign.

I care about you as a friend and wish you well. I care about our nation, too, and wish it well. Be assured I will continue to be vocal and active in the national debate to ensure our nation does not again turn to the failed and distrusted Bush/Clinton families.

Let's make America great again!

Sincerely,

Roger Stone