Melania’s office called publicly for the firing of Deputy National Advisor Mira Ricardel on Tuesday after a series of run-ins with the First Lady, including a plane seating issue during her solo trip to Africa. Melania’s spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement: “It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honour of serving in this White House.” Melania reportedly told her husband she didn’t like the way Mrs Ricardel had treated her.
Sources claimed their relationship took a bitter turn for the worst when the trip to Africa “didn’t go well”
The First Lady’s team also told the US President it suspected Mrs Ricardel was leaking negative stories about Melania to the press.
According to CNN, the top White House aide was given some time to clear out her things but she was still seen in her office on Tuesday.
The news broke as Trump posted a picture on Twitter of Mrs Ricardel accompanying him at a Diwali ceremony.
Mrs Ricardel apparently had spats with other major figures in the Trump administration, including Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Chief of Staff John Kelly.
According to US media, Mrs Ricardel might not be the only one to get fired this month, as the US President is planning to make several major staffing changes in the next few weeks, including replacing his chief of staff John Kelly.
Seven sources told NBC News, Mr Kelly could soon lose his job as a result of another conflict with the President’s wife.
Nick Ayers, Vice President Mike Pence’s chief of staff, is being considered to replace him among other candidates.
Two White House officials told NBC Melania said to her husband earlier in 2018 that Mr Kelly had turned down requests to promote two of her top aides.
However, the First Lady’s spokeswoman told The Hill in a statement that Melania “has a very positive relationship” with Mr Kelly, adding there “have never been any issues”.
Ms Grisham also said Melania’s East Wing staff is “very focused on the first lady’s initiatives and works independently”.
The White House and Mr Kelly have not yet commented on the NBC report.