'Total BS': John Kelly says he never called Trump an 'idiot'

White House chief of staff John Kelly has denied reports that he called President Donald Trump "an idiot," calling the claim "total BS."

"I spend more time with the President than anyone else and we have an incredibly candid and strong relationship," Kelly wrote in a statement. "He always knows where I stand and he and I both know this story is total BS."

The chief of staff's aide Zach Fuentes also used the term "BS" to characterize the claim, and said he was in the room during the meetings described in NBC News' report where Kelly reportedly criticized the president's intelligence and understanding of DACA.

"I am committed to the president, his agenda, and our country," Kelly's statement continued. “This is another pathetic attempt to smear people close to President Trump."