DONALD TRUMP has chosen Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, as his chief of staff, in a move that rejects some of the more extreme characters in his entourage and will see his fellow Republicans heave a sigh of relief.

    His controversial campaign manager Steve Bannon, founder of the right-wing website Breitbart, was named as his chief strategist — a move which Trump’s team said “continues the effective leadership team they formed during the campaign.”

    He said that the pair will work as equals, in what is seen as a bid to placate both his supporters keen for a Washington revolution, and the Republican establishment.

    “I am thrilled to have my very successful team continue with me in leading the country,” said Trump. “Now I will have them both with me in the White House as we work to make America great again.”

    The chief of staff is a highly influential position, although there is no set format for the role. He is a presidential confidante and adviser seen as the “gatekeeper” — typically overseeing the actions of the White House staff, managing the president’s schedule, and deciding who is allowed to meet with him.

    Priebus, 44, has more than a decade of experience in Republican politics and is a known quantity, seen as a safe pair of hands — in sharp contrast to some of the other names floated.

    The New Jersey-born lawyer was reportedly the preferred choice of Paul Ryan, the most senior Republican, and was also backed by Trump’s children, who have been extremely influential behind the scenes.

    He is credited with smoothing over some of the rough edges of Trump during the campaign, while charting a careful course between Trump and the wary Republican establishment.

    Priebus was chosen for the role over Bannon, a combustible and uncompromising figure who ran Trump’s campaign in the final months. He was also selected over Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, who has no experience in politics but became one of the 70-year-old’s most trusted sounding boards.

    Trump will now look to choose members of his Cabinet.

    Among those being considered are former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton.

    New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, an early favorite, appears to have fallen out of favor and has now been ousted from the transition team — replaced by Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

    (SD-Agencies)