What’s happening: Trump has asked confidants what they think about the idea of installing Rep. Mark Meadows, the chairman of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, as John Kelly’s permanent replacement, according to these three sources. Trump has also mentioned three other candidates besides Meadows, according to a source with direct knowledge. I don’t yet have their names.

Nick Ayers, previously considered the favorite, is out of the running to be Kelly’s replacement, according to sources with direct knowledge.

“Nick couldn’t give POTUS a two-year commitment, so he’s going to help him on the outside instead,” one of these sources told me. (This news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.)