29-year-old White House communications director announces resignation

The White House said on February 28 that Hope Hicks, 29, decided to resign from her position as White House communications director one day after she participated in a nine-hour closed-door hearing at the House Intelligence Committee regarding the investigation into suspected Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election.Reutersreport

Hicks approached President Donald Trump and said she wanted to leave to pursue outside opportunities, according to aides. Robert Trout, an attorney representing Hicks, declined to comment.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Hicks' decision was unrelated to the hearing. It is unclear when Hicks will formally resign, which is expected in the coming weeks.

US lawmakers said Hicks, who served as a spokesperson for President Trump's campaign, answered all questions about her time working for the campaign, the transition months between Trump's election and his inauguration in January 2017.

Hicks became White House communications director in September 2017, replacing Anthony Scaramucci, who was fired after 11 days on the job.

"There are no words to express my gratitude to President Trump. I wish the president and his administration the best as he continues to lead our country," Hicks said in a separate statement.

Hicks was embroiled in controversy involving former White House staff secretary Rob Porter, whom she dated. Hicks sought to defend Porter when his two ex-wives accused him of domestic violence. Porter later resigned.

"Hope is an outstanding person and has done a great job over the last three years. She is smart, thoughtful, a wonderful person," President Trump said. "I will miss her. When Hope came and mentioned pursuing opportunities, I completely understood. I am sure we will work together again in the future."