Former three-time Apprentice contestant Omarosa Manigault Newman is leaving her role as director of communications for the White House Office of Public Liaison. (TVNewser)
The White House announced her plans to leave the administration, effective one year after Trump’s inauguration, early Wednesday morning. “Omarosa Manigault Newman resigned yesterday to pursue other opportunities,” press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. “Her departure will not be effective until Jan. 20, 2018. We wish her the best in future endeavors and are grateful for her service.” Manigault Newman’s departure follows national security aide Dina Powell and is widely believed to be the beginning of more administration departures heading into 2018. (THR)
White House correspondent April Ryan appeared on CNN to talk about this development, and she noted that Manigault Newman’s conduct rubbed admin officials the wrong way, and Ryan concluded that “she’s leaving because General Kelly was tired of it.” Kelly previously restricted Manigault Newman’s walk-in access to Trump, and according to Ryan, she demanded to see the president and tried to access the White House residence. This led to the Secret Service getting involved and Manigault Newman being escorted off the property. (Mediaite)
The Secret Service issued a statement denying reports it was involved and escorted her off the White House premises. Trump tweeted later on Wednesday, “Thank you Omarosa for your service! I wish you continued success.” (Variety)