Mira Ricardel: Melania Trump gets her way as US president pushes out senior adviser

Deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel has left her post a day after first lady Melania Trump’s office issued an extraordinary statement calling for her dismissal.

Aides said Ms Ricardel clashed with the first lady’s staff over her visit to Africa last month, reportedly on seating arrangements.

A White House spokeswoman said she “departs the White House to transition to a new role within the administration” but did not elaborate.

It was said to be highly unusual for a first lady, or her office, to intervene on personnel matters, especially the president’s national security staff.

On Tuesday Stephanie Grisham, the first lady’s spokeswoman, said in a statement: “It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honour of serving in this White House.”

Ms Ricardel was the third person to hold the post under Mr Trump. Her removal comes amid reports he is planning a shake-up in the West Wing, with chief of staff John Kelly and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said to be facing the axe.