John F. Kelly is a retired United States Marine Corps general and former White House Chief of Staff under President Donald Trump. Born on May 11, 1950, in Boston, Massachusetts, Kelly grew up in an Irish Catholic family and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970. After a brief period as an enlisted Marine, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1976, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned over four decades.

Kelly's military service is notable for his extensive experience in command and leadership positions, particularly in combat environments. He served in several key roles, including as the commanding general of the Multi-National Force–West in Iraq from 2008 to 2009, where he oversaw operations in one of the most volatile regions of the country. His leadership during this time earned him a reputation as a tough and effective commander.

In 2012, Kelly was promoted to four-star general and appointed as the commander of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), responsible for American military operations in Central and South America and the Caribbean. He held this position until his retirement from the Marine Corps in 2016. Throughout his military career, Kelly was known for his direct and no-nonsense approach, as well as his commitment to the welfare of his troops.

Following his military retirement, Kelly was appointed by President Trump as the Secretary of Homeland Security in January 2017. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing a wide range of issues, including immigration enforcement, border security, and counterterrorism. Kelly quickly gained the president's trust and was widely respected for his organizational skills and ability to manage complex issues.

In July 2017, Kelly was appointed as White House Chief of Staff, replacing Reince Priebus. His tenure as Chief of Staff was marked by efforts to bring discipline and order to the White House, which had been plagued by infighting and leaks. Kelly sought to streamline decision-making processes and limit access to the president, earning both praise and criticism for his management style. Despite his efforts, Kelly faced significant challenges, including navigating the turbulent political environment and managing the president's unorthodox approach to governance.

Kelly's time as Chief of Staff ended in January 2019, after which he returned to private life. He has since been involved in various advisory and consulting roles and occasionally offers commentary on national security and political issues. Kelly's legacy is one of dedicated service to his country, both as a military leader and as a public servant, though his time in the Trump administration remains a subject of debate and scrutiny.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Kelly