WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has removed Julia Kelely, a transgender woman and former CIA officer, from her White House position after her gender identity became public, according to foreign media reports.
Kelely spent about 20 years with the Central Intelligence Agency. She became the first CIA officer to undergo gender transition while working at the agency in 2013.
Kelely Says She Was Asked to Stay at White House
Kelely said she was asked to continue working at the White House after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election.
This came despite Trump’s campaign taking a strong position against transgender people.
According to Kelely, senior administration officials continued to treat her well after Trump returned to the presidency.
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She said the situation changed after her transgender identity became a public and political issue.
Dismissal Came During Family Barbecue
Kelely said she was spending time with her family at a barbecue when she received a call from her new boss.
She was told that she had been fired.
However, Kelely said her boss did not provide a reason for the dismissal.
Reports said conservative social media figure Laura Loomer disclosed Kelely’s transgender identity on X that same day.
Loomer also questioned why Kelely was working at the White House.
Former CIA Officer Says Identity Was Never an Issue
Kelely said her gender identity had never caused problems during her professional career.
She believes the situation changed after her identity became a public issue.
The former CIA officer also said she had previously worked at the National Security Council during Trump’s first presidential term in 2017.
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At that time, she provided daily intelligence briefings to former Vice President Mike Pence, according to her account.
White House Defends Decision
The White House defended the decision when asked about Kelely’s dismissal.
A White House spokesperson said someone who writes a 3,000-word article criticizing the president is not suitable for government employment.
The administration did not publicly provide further details about the circumstances surrounding Kelely’s removal.
