Incoming White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said he is "honored" to serve in the White House post.

His comments come shortly after President Trump announced Kelly would replace Reince Priebus.

"I have been fortunate to have served my country for more than 45 years - first as a Marine and then as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. I am honored to be asked to serve as the chief of staff to the president of the United States," the now-outgoing Homeland Security chief said in a statement.

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"To the tremendous men and women of DHS, I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your secretary. When I left the Marines, I never thought I would find as committed, as professional, as patriotic a group of individuals. I was wrong. You accomplish great things every day defending our nation and I know your exceptional work will continue," he continued.

Kelly is entering the White House amid a major staff shakeup, which started last week with the appointment of Anthony Scaramucci to the communications director position.

Priebus praised Kelly in an interview shortly after his resignation was announced.

"I think this is a good appointment for the White House and I think the general will do a great job," he told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on "The Situation Room."