Robert Lighthizer, the current US Trade Representative, was also reportedly among the names Trump floated around. However, The Washington Post reported that some in the White House are reluctant to move Lighthizer from his key role in China trade negotiations.
Lighthizer, who landed in the Trump White House in May 2017, said in a Sunday interview with CBS's "Face the Nation" that he believes Kelly has "done a great job for the president."
When asked if he would want the role of chief of staff, Lighthizer said "the president has given me what is a very difficult job," adding that he has not been approached by anyone in the White House for the chief of staff job.
"I haven't spoken to anyone," he said. "I'm entirely focused on what I'm trying to do, and it's difficult enough."