Politics

National Security Aide Reassigned After First Lady Calls For Firing

It's not clear what sparked the first lady's remarks, but outlets report Ricardel had a somewhat contentious relationship with the East Wing.

National Security Aide Reassigned After First Lady Calls For Firing
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The White House has reassigned a top national security aide just one day after first lady Melania Trump called for her firing.

In an unprecedented statement on Tuesday, the first lady's spokeswoman said: "It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that [Mira Ricardel] no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House." Ricardel served as the deputy national security adviser. 

It's not immediately clear what sparked the first lady's remarks, but multiple outlets report Ricardel had a somewhat contentious relationship with the East Wing. One reported instance happened in October during Melania Trump's trip to Africa — the first lady's staff and Ricardel clashed over seating arrangements and requests to use national security resources.

It's also not clear what Ricardel will do next. A statement from press secretary Sarah Sanders said Ricardel will "transition to a new role within the Administration."

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.