Charlie Brotman has introduced every new American president since 1957 – now he’s “heartbroken” after being ditched by email by Donald Trump’s team.
Mr Brotman, 89, has served as the inauguration announcer for every president since Dwight Eisenhower.
But now he’s been dumped for a Trump supporter just 10 days out from the January 20 event which formally installs the new president and includes a parade.
"I’ve been doing this for 60 years and for somebody to take over the announcing duties from me, I was devastated," he said.
Mr Brotman said it felt like "Muhammad Ali had hit me in the stomach".
He has been replaced as announcer by Steve Ray, 58, who is a former Trump campaign volunteer and local freelance announcer who has worked in baseball.
Despite being sacked Mr Brotman says he wishes Mr Ray well.
A spokesman for Trump’s transition team, Boris Epshteyn, says Mr Brotman will instead be honoured as “announcer chairman emeritus”.
Newshub.
