Politics
10:15, 15-Nov-2018
Graphics: White House official removed after first lady called for her ouster
Updated
09:49, 18-Nov-2018
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Senior White House official Mira Ricardel has been transferred after first Lady Melania Trump called for her ouster, the Trump administration said Wednesday.
Melania Trump made an extremely rare demand on Tuesday for Deputy National Security Advisor Mira Ricardel to be fired, saying "she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House."
Presidential spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Ricardel "will continue to support the president as she departs the White House to transition to a new role within the Administration."
The first lady gave no reason for why she wanted Ricardel out but several officials said it was related to Mrs. Trump's trip to Africa in October as Ricardel had disparaged two members of Mrs. Trump's staff.
Ricardel also is said to have tangled with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on issues of policy and Pentagon personnel.