White House communications director resigns in shake-up

DONALD TRUMP’S communications director has resigned, just three months after he was appointed by the President, in what is being seen as the start of a White House shake-up.

Mike Dubke submitted his resignation letter on May 18, it emerged yesterday, but offered to stay on during Mr Trump’s first overseas trip. It is not clear when his last day will be.

Reince Priebus, the chief of staff, issued a statement thanking Mr Dubke.

“We appreciate Mike and are grateful for his service to President Trump and our country” he said.

Mr Dubke’s resignation comes amid criticism levelled at the White House over its communication strategy, particularly for contradictions between the President and his press team.

Press secretary Sean Spicer, who has been mercilessly lampooned by Melissa Mccarthy on Saturday Night Live, worked closely with Mr Dubke in an attempt to manage the story of the firing of James Comey as FBI director. Mr Trump later appeared on television to directly contradict the version his aides and the vice president had delivered.

“The reasons for my departure are personal, but it has been my great honour to serve President Trump and this administration,” said Mr Dubke, in an email reported by Politico. White House spokeswoman Hope Hicks said there was no dissatisfaction among Mr Trump’s staff.

In a statement to the Washington Post she said: “President Trump has a magnetic personality and exudes positive energy which is infectious to those around him. He is brilliant with a great sense of humour and an amazing ability to make people feel special and aspire to be more than even they thought possible.”

Mr Trump has reportedly been in talks with former campaign aides Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie about taking on more formal roles, possibly in a crisis-management duties.