Hope Hicks to resign as White House communications director

White House communications director Hope Hicks will resign in the coming weeks, The New York Times reported Wednesday. Hicks announced the decision just one day after she gave a closed-door interview to the House Intelligence Committee as part of the probe into Russian election meddling.

Hicks has been one of President Trump's closest advisers, working in the Trump Organization for years before joining Trump's presidential campaign and eventually assuming the mantle of communications director last September. She recently came under scrutiny for her role in the firing of former White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter, who was ousted after his two ex-wives came forward with allegations of physical and verbal abuse by him. Hicks and Porter were reportedly romantically involved, leading some to wonder if Hicks' personal biases affected how the White House initially responded to the allegations.

"There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to President Trump," Hicks said in a statement, without offering word on what she will do next. Trump added his own effusive statement, praising Hicks for being "as smart and thoughtful as they come" and saying, "I will miss having her by my side."

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