Ex-model Hicks ‘like a daughter’ to president

HOPE HICKS has been a rare consistent presence in the Trump White House, which has otherwise been a revolving door of presidential aides.

The 31-year-old former model was one of the first people to join Donald Trump’s fledgling presidential campaign and one of few that remains close to him to this day.

Connecticut-born Ms Hicks first charmed his eldest daughter, Ivanka, while working for a public relations agency in New York that represented one of her fashion companies.

Mr Trump later chose her in 2014 to work in PR for his real estate company. The president later told GQ magazine that he thought Ms Hicks, who he likes to call “Hopester”, was “outstanding”.

After Mr Trump’s victory she became director of strategic communications in the White House. There, she had the trust of the president while keeping clear of the public spotlight and infighting among other presidential aides.

According to Michael Wolff ’s book Fire and Fury, the president once referred to Ms Hicks as “the best piece of tail”, while insiders said she was like a surrogate daughter to the president.

The fact she does not give TV interviews and keeps away from the cameras is the recipe of her success, say insiders, pointing out those close to Mr Trump who have courted the media have come to stickier endings. After the departure of Anthony Scaramucci, her high profile predecessor, she became communications director in 2017.

In February 2018, she announced she was resigning, the day after she admitted occasionally telling “white lies” for the president. She then took up a job as chief communications officer at Fox News, Mr Trump’s preferred news channel.

Mr Trump, who does not usually handle abandonment well, said at the time he would “miss having her by his side”.

Earlier this year she returned to the White House as counsellor to the president, and now reports to Mr Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

‘The president once referred to her as “the best piece of tail”, while others called her a surrogate daughter to him’

1 The Yellow Oval Room: Named after first lady Dolley Madison who decorated it in 1809. It is used for small formal receptions

2 West Sitting Hall: Created when staircases were moved in 1869, the second floor room is a private family space

President’s Dining Room: Changed from a bedroom in 1961 by Jacqueline Kennedy to an intimate dining room

Grand Stairs: The main stairway connecting state and second floors is also used for ceremonial purposes

Home comforts: The Trumps will spend 10 days in the executive residence – pictured during the presidency of Barack Obama