In a rare move, US First Lady Melania Trump has called for the ouster of Mira Ricardel, a senior national security advisor in the Trump administration.
Ricardel had reportedly battled with the first lady's staff during her trip to Africa last month. According to some media reports, Ricardel is believed to be the source of negative stories about Melania Trump.
The news has come among speculation of a possible shake-up of President Donald Trump's cabinet following last week's midterm elections. The Republican president was expected to make some changes as he prepares for the second half of his term in office.
Though initial reports said Ricardel had been escorted out of the White House, later on it became clear that the adviser remained in her office.
"It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House," Stephanie Grisham, the first lady's spokeswoman, said in a terse statement. She gave no reason for why the first lady wanted Ricardel out but several officials said it was related to Mrs. Trump's trip to Africa in October.
A White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Ricardel has never met the first lady. A smiling Ricardel had a prominent spot at the front of the room at a White House celebration marking Diwali on Tuesday.
