Trump s African-American aide to depart White House (Lead)

Washington Dec 14 (IANS) Omarosa Manigault Newman one of US President Donald Trump s most prominent African-American aide is set to leave the White House in January 2018 according to the administration.

Newman who achieved a measure of fame playing a villain on "The Apprentice" and cemented a relationship with Trump that led to her White House appointment resigned "to pursue other opportunities" Sarah Huckabee Sanders the White House press secretary said in a statement late Wednesday.

"Her departure will not be effective until January 20 2018. We wish her the best in future endeavours and are grateful for her service " The New York Times quoted Sanders as saying.

Newman served as the director of communications for the White House Office of Public Liaison.

According to White House officials she was not well liked by some White House advisers including Reince Priebus the former chief of staff; Jared Kushner the President s son-in-law; and John F. Kelly the current chief of staff.

Newman appeared in the first season of "The Apprentice " in 2004 and worked on Trump s 2016 presidential campaign.

On Wednesday night the President tweeted her a note of encouragement: "Thank you Omarosa for your service! I wish you continued success."

Meanwhile April Ryan a journalist with American Urban Radio Networks told CNN that "everything blew up" when Chief of Staff Kelly attempted to discuss Newman s walk-in privileges and access to Trump.

Ryan reported Newman saying that "all hell will break loose" if she lost walk-in privileges.

Kelly according to Ryan said "OK all hell is going to break loose".

--IANS
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