President Donald Trump has selected Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly as his new White House chief of staff, replacing Reince Priebus.

"I am pleased to inform you that I have just named General/Secretary John F Kelly as White House Chief of Staff. He is a Great American... and a Great Leader. John has also done a spectacular job at Homeland Security. He has been a true star of my Administration," Trump tweeted.

Priebus resigned privately Thursday, reports CNN .

The move was announced just after Air Force One landed at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington Friday.

In a statement released by the Department of Homeland Security Friday, Kelly said:

"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.

"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 everyday defending our nation and I know your exceptional work will continue."

A subsequent press release announced that Kelly will remain the Secretary of Homeland Security until Monday, July 31, when Deputy Secretary Elaine Duke will become acting Secretary.