Trump-aide Hope Hicks steps down as White House Communications Director
What's the story
Hope Hicks, one of the closest aides of US President Donald Trump, is resigning as the White House Communications Director. The announcement of her resignation came a day after she testified before the House Intelligence Committee on allegations related to the Russian interference during the 2016 presidential campaign. The White House, however, did not announce her exact day of resignation. Here's more.
Details
Hope Hicks served Trump for three years
The 29-year-old, Hicks, is leaving the White House after serving Trump for three years in various capacities. This included being his campaign spokesperson and the Director of Strategic Communication when Trump was sworn in as the President on 20 January 2017. The White House stated, "Her departure is to be determined but it will be sometime in the next few weeks."
Opportunities
Wants to explore opportunities outside of White House
Hope Hicks is President Trump's longest-serving aide, having worked with him before he announced his presidential candidacy, through the campaign, and into the second year of his administration. After three years, she approached Trump and told him she wanted to leave so she could start exploring opportunities outside of the White House. On his part, Trump was effusive in his praise for Hicks.
Role
What was Hope Hicks' role at White House?
Hicks' role evolved from what was initially considered to be an unconventional press and communications aide to formally being announced White House Communications Director in 2017. In this position, Hicks led strategic messaging for administration priorities such as the historic passage of tax reform and worked with Press Secretary Sarah Sanders to stabilize the press and communications teams after initial phases of transition.
President Trump
Will work together with Hope again in future: Trump
"Hope (Hicks) is outstanding and has done great work for the last three years. She is as smart and thoughtful as they come, a truly great person," President Trump said. "I will miss having her by my side but when she approached me about pursuing other opportunities, I totally understood. I am sure we will work together again in the future," he said.
Sarah Sanders
Hope, one of most talented and skilled people: Sanders
The White House said Hicks is a "valued adviser and counselor to the President and other senior administration officials". Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Hicks would leave behind a void which nobody can fill. "She is in a league of her own and no one can replace her. Far and away one of the most talented and skilled people I've ever met," Sanders said.
Quote
To say Hicks will be missed, is an understatement: Kelly
White House's Chief of Staff, John Kelly, stated: "She (Hope) became a trusted adviser and counselor and did a tremendous job overseeing the communications for the President's agenda, including the passage of historic tax reform. She has served her country with great distinction."
Resignation
Hicks, the fourth person to resign as Communications Director
"There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to President Trump. I wish the president and his administration the very best as he continues to lead our country," Hicks said. In a little over 13 months of this administration, Hicks is fourth to resign as the White House Director of Communications. The other three being Sean Spicer, Mike Dubke, and Anthony Scaramucci.