Mira Ricardel steps down as White House deputy national security adviser

Following a high-profile row with the US First Lady Melania Trump, White House Deputy National Security Adviser Mira Ricardel has stepped down from her post.

In a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Ricardel is leaving her post and will transition to a new role within the administration. She did not elaborate further. Sanders also added that President Trump “is grateful for Ricardel’s continued service to the American people and her steadfast pursuit of his national security priorities.”

The move comes a day after the office of the first lady called for Ricardel’s firing, saying that “she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House.” It is to be noted that Ricardel and Melania Trump reportedly feuded during a tour of Africa in October this year.

According to the US media reports, Melania Trump and Ricardel quarrelled over seating arrangements on her plane.

However, the removal of Ricardel comes amid reports in US media that President Donald Trump is considering a shake-up in the White House West Wing. The reports further said that Trump may be preparing to remove White House Chief of Staff John Kelly or Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.

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