Insiders say he is well aware of his position and is debating whether to jump before he is pushed.

“He figured he would do the job for a year and now is trying to work out if that is possible – and if that is what he wants,” said a Republican insider, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Other reports suggested he was sounding out allies as part of an effort to fight back.

He had opposed the hiring of Mr Scaramucci and saw one of his allies, Sean Spicer, resign in protest.

In a further snub, the new director of communications has made clear that he answers only to the president rather than the chief of staff.