Trump’s longest-serving aide Hope Hicks quits

White House Communications Director Hope Hicks, one of President Donald Trump’s closest and longest-serving aides, has announced her plans to quit, thereby becoming, as per one count, the 18th official to leave the Trump White House in just a little over a year.

The announcement came a day after Hicks’ testimony before the House Intelligence Committee, during which she said at one point that in her job, she had occasionally been required to tell “white lies”. She, however, added she had never lied about anything connected with the ongoing investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election.

Reports citing White House sources said that the 29-year-old former model had indicated her plans to leave some time ago, thereby suggesting that her departure in the coming weeks had nothing to do with her remark about occasional lying. But CBS News, citing unnamed sources, reported that Trump was “angered” by her remark, but said it was doubtful if this was the reason for her decision to leave.

Trump himself heaped praise on his longest-serving aide. In a statement, he said: “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. 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.”

Hicks said in her own statement: “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.”

Before joining the White House staff, Hicks had worked with Ivanka Trump and the Trump Organisation for several years. She was the spokesperson for the Trump Campaign.

For someone of her standing in the Trump White House and her close proximity to the President, Hicks maintained an unusually low profile. In recent weeks, however, her personal life drew unexpected attention when it was reported that she had dated Rob Porter, the White House Staff Secretary, who resigned following allegations that he had abused his two former wives.