Trump’s African American aide quits

WASHINGTON:True to form, former Apprentice star Omarosa is ending her time at the White House with a dose of drama.

Omarosa Manigault Newman, one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent African-American supporters, was escorted off the White House grounds after resigning her post as a presidential adviser, according to two White House officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Wednesday that Manigault Newman’s resignation is effective January 20, one year after Trump’s inauguration. “We wish her the best in future endeavors and are grateful for her service,” Sanders said.

The president also bid her farewell, tweeting: “Thank you Omarosa for your service! I wish you continued success.”

Manigault Newman was an assistant to the president and director of communications for the White House Office of Public Liaison, working on outreach to various constituency groups.

But the office languished under her watch and White House chief of staff John Kelly had indicated that changes were forthcoming — including her dismissal, according to the two officials, who insisted on anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly about personnel matters.

Better known by just her first name, Manigault Newman was escorted from the White House complex on Tuesday night but was allowed to offer her resignation. The U. Secret Service, which provides security for the president, tweeted on Wednesday that it was not involved in her termination or her escort from the grounds. Some published reports said Secret Service officers had physically removed Manigault Newman from the complex.

The agency confirmed that a pass granting her access to the complex had been deactivated. “Our only involvement in this matter was to deactivate the individual’s pass which grants access to the complex,” the agency tweeted.

Manigault Newman’s exit comes at the front end of what’s expected to be a wave of departures. Deputy national security adviser Dina Powell is also departing early next year.

Manigault Newman, who drew a top salary of $179,700, was one of Trump’s highest-profile supporters during the campaign. She also worked with Trump’s transition team. A former contestant on the first season of “The Apprentice,” Trump’s former reality TV show, Manigault Newman had long been unpopular with several senior West Wing officials, including senior adviser and Trump son-inlaw Jared Kushner and Kelly.