WASHINGTON (AP) – Omarosa Manigault Newman – the former “Apprentice” contestant who became one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent African -American supporters – was escorted off the White House grounds after resigning her post as a presidential adviser.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Wednesday that Manigault Newman’s last day will be Jan. 20, one year since Trump’s inauguration. “We wish her the best in future endeavors and are grateful for her service,” Sanders said.
The president also bid her farewell, tweeting: “Thank you Omarosa for your service! I wish you continued success.”
Manigault Newman was an assistant to the president and director of communications for the White House Office of Public Liaison, working on outreach to various constituency groups. But the office languished under her watch and White House chief of staff John Kelly had indicated that changes were forthcoming, including her dismissal, according to two White House officials who insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about personnel matters.
Better known by just her first name, Manigault Newman was escorted from the White House complex Tuesday night but was allowed to tender her resignation. The U.S. Secret Service, which provides security for the president, tweeted Wednesday that it was not involved in her termination or her escort from the grounds. Some published reports said Secret Service officers had physically removed Manigault Newman from the complex.