Advertisement White House press secretary Sean Spicer resigns; Sarah Huckabee Sanders promoted He reportedly called the president's choice for communications director a "mistake" Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Sean Spicer, who had a rocky run as White House press secretary, resigned Friday to give the White House a "clean slate" under a new communications director, though some reports suggest that the hiring is the reason he's leaving the role.Deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a regular figure of late in the briefing room, will be promoted to Spicer's role.According to The New York Times, Spicer took issue with the hiring of Wall Street financier Anthony Scaramucci to lead the White House communications department, calling it a "major mistake." The Associated Press reports an official said Spicer "objected to Trump's vision for the future of the press operation."But two hours after the news broke, Spicer tweeted "it's been an honor and a privilege" to serve the president and the country, and he'll continue his service through August.CNN political correspondent Dana Bash said Spicer told her he just wants to give the administration a "clean slate" as it revamps its communications strategy. Sanders echoed that in an afternoon press briefing, which was the first on-camera briefing in three weeks.In a statement, Trump said "I am grateful for Sean's work on behalf of my administration and the American people. I wish him continued success as he moves on to pursue new opportunities -- just look at his great television ratings."Also during the briefing, Sanders introduced Scaramucci, who called Spicer a "true American patriot ... I love the guy and I wish him well." He went on to say he doesn't have any "friction" with Spicer.Elsewhere in the White House, officials reportedly said Trump adviser Steve Bannon was fiercely against the hiring, but when asked about any potential trouble, Scaramucci simply said "he's got a strong personality; I have a strong personality."In an administration that has had a combative relationship with the media, Spicer started as the face of the White House in press briefings that drew higher-than-usual ratings and were marked by testy exchanges. In recent weeks, though, Sanders has delivered briefings, and they've largely gone off-camera.Scaramucci will take on the strategy-focused director role as the White House tries to tamp down a series of leaks and fight off suggestions that the Trump campaign may have colluded with Russian officials during the election. He has never held a formal role in political communications, but an official told CNN he believes a "fresh start will inject some energy."Scaramucci was originally considered for a White House post, but his potential business conflicts held him back. On Friday, he promised to clear up any issues.He also showed regret for calling Trump a "hack politician" on television in 2015, saying "I never should have said that about him." With a laugh, he said the president still brings it up.Asked about Scaramucci Friday morning, Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway said he "is somebody who has been an incredible asset to President Trump all during the campaign, the transition, and now he is one of the killers on TV who goes out there, thinks the president is being treated very unfairly, and we don’t get any of the economic news out there, even though our press and communications shop tries."The role of communications director has been vacant since Mike Dubke resigned in May, leaving Spicer to take on many of those duties.Before coming to the White House, Spicer led communications for the Republican National Committee for several years, becoming close friends with Priebus, the former RNC chair. He also helped with the Trump campaign in the general election.Priebus told reporters after Spicer's resignation that he supports Scaramucci's hiring "100 percent," saying he and the incoming administration official are "very good friends."