Steve Goldstein, Rex Tillerson's top spokesman at the State Department, was fired Tuesday for contradicting the official administration account of Tillerson's firing, a White House official told NBC News.
A State Department official confirmed the firing of Goldstein, who was an Under Secretary of State, to NBC News, as well.
Goldstein had only been in post since Dec. 4.
Trump announced over Twitter on Tuesday that he was replacing Tillerson with CIA Director Mike Pompeo.
Goldstein had said soon afterward that Tillerson had not spoken directly about the move with the president.
"The Secretary had every intention of remaining because of the tangible progress made on critical national security issues," a statement issued by Goldstein had said.
"The Secretary did not speak to the President this morning and is unaware of the reason, but he is grateful for the opportunity to serve, and still believes strongly that public service is a noble calling and not to be regretted."