Politics

Sean Spicer ‘candor’ to grace speaking circuit in post-White House gig

Key Points
  • Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer has joined the paid speaking circuit.
  • Spicer, whose official last day was August 31, has signed with the Worldwide Speakers Group.
  • His first engagement is expected to be at the annual conference of Robman & Renshaw, on September 11 in New York City.
Outgoing White House Spokesman Sean Spicer walks into the West Wing of The White House on July 29, 2017 in Washington, DC.
Pool | Getty Images

President Donald Trump's memorable first press secretary, Sean Spicer, has reportedly become the latest White House departee to join the paid speaking circuit.

Spicer, who resigned from the West Wing in July but served his last official day on August 31, has signed with Worldwide Speakers Group, the company confirmed to Politico Tuesday.

In a statement, the firm said Spicer would use his "well-known candor and extensive experience" to discuss "the people, philosophies and policies" that matter most to U.S. citizens and businesses. The company's website showed conformation that Spicer was one of the speakers available for bookings.

"We are thrilled to provide Sean for our major trade association, corporate, university and public lecture series customers around the world," the firm said in a statement cited by Politico.

"With his well-known candor and extensive experience, Sean is uniquely qualified to help audiences understand how the political environment will impact them now and in the future."

Spicer's first speaking engagement will be in New York City on September 11 at the annual conference of the investment bank Robman & Renshaw, according to two sources familiar with his schedule cited in the report.

The fee for Spicer's speeches was not disclosed.

An ex-political aide, Spicer became a figure of public attention this year as he attempted to diffuse a string of PR fiascos within the White House.

A combination of photos taken at the National Mall shows the crowds attending the inauguration ceremonies to swear in U.S. President Donald Trump at 12:01pm (L) on January 20, 2017 and President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009, in Washington, DC
Lucas Jackson (L), Stelios Varias (R) | Reuters

His first press briefing in January attracted wide-spread ridicule after he grossly exaggerated the size of crowds at Trump's inauguration, despite photographic evidence to the contrary. Soon after he became the focus of a satirical sketch show for "Saturday Night Live", in which he was portrayed by actress Melissa McCarthy.

Spicer was later embroiled in a number of controversies, including a comparison between the behaviors of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Adolf Hitler, following the Khan Shaykhun chemical attack in April 2017.

He resigned on July 21, 2017, following the appointment by Trump of Anthoy Scaramucci as White House communications director, saying he "vehemently disagreed" with the decision. Sarah Huckabee Sanders was named as his replacement on the same day.