World
Melania Trump Calls For Removal Of Senior White House Aid Mira Ricardel
Ricardel likely related to Melania’s trip to Africa in October
President Donald Trump is currently under pressure to fire his deputy national security adviser after US First Lady Melania Trump publically called out for dismissal of the senior administration official. As per reports, the President’s wife is miffed with Mira Ricardel, the top aide to the national security adviser, John Bolton.
“It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that [Ricardel] no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House,” Stephanie Grisham, the first lady’s communications director, said in a statement, reported The Guardian.
While Grisham did not give any reason for why the first lady wanted Ricardel out but several officials with direct knowledge of the situation said it was related to Melania’s trip to Africa in October. Ricardel reportedly feuded with members of the first lady’s staff over seating on a plane during Melania Trump’s recent trip to Africa.
The East Wing staff complained that Ricardel clashed with them over the use of national security council resources allocated to support Melania’s Africa tour. Furthermore, Ricardel was also believed to be the source of negative stories about Melania Trump, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal which cited unnamed sources.
Ricardel’s departure might get announced soon especially as the Republican president and his administration is already planning a potentially major shake-up following last week’s midterm elections, which began with the firing of the attorney general, Jeff Sessions.
Among those who might be asked to leave the office could be Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, a close ally of Trump’s chief of staff John Kelly. As per the report, Trump is not happy with how Nielsen is handling the situation at the US-Mexico border.
In fact, Kelly’s fate is believed to be tied to what happens to Nielsen. Nick Ayers, the chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, is seen as a possible replacement for Kelly if in case he leaves.
