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Melania Trump demands sacking of senior national security official in extraordinary move

First Lady Melania Trump has taken the extraordinary step of publicly demanding one of the president's senior national security officials be sacked.

Mrs Trump is reported to have complained about Mira Ricardel, who currently serves as the deputy national security adviser under John Bolton, after her recent trip to Africa.

Following reports that Ms Ricardel could be push out during a staffing reshuffle, Mrs Trump's spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said on Tuesday: “It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she [Ms Ricardel] no longer deserves the honour of serving in this White House”.

Reports have been circulating in recent weeks that Donald Trump would shake up his cabinet after the midterm elections, but it is highly unusual for the First Lady's office to comment on personnel issues within the West Wing.

According to US media, Ms Ricardel had a recent spat with members of the first lady's staff over her trip to Africa, including seating on the plane and use of National Security Council resources.

It comes amid reports Mr Trump is planning to make several staffing changes in the next few weeks, including replacing his chief of staff.

The US president has already forced his Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, to resign. Mr Sessions said he was submitting his resignation at the "request" of Mr Trump. The announcement was made on November 7, the day after the midterm elections.