One of America’s most senior national security officials has been forced out of the White House after Melania Trump, the US president’s wife, publicly called for her departure through a spokesman.

Mira Ricardel, the US deputy national security adviser, only took up the post six months ago but will now be moved to a new role in the Trump administration.

Widespread US media reports cited a row between Ms Ricardel and Mrs Trump’s team about the First Lady’s trip to Africa last month as a contributing factor.

The New York Times reported that Ms Ricardel was frustrated she had not been allocated a seat on Mrs Trump’s plane and threatened to withhold resources for the trip as a result. Clashes with other key officials were also reported.

Ms Ricardel, 58, was appointed by John Bolton, the US national security adviser who took up the role in April, and moved into the position from the Commerce Department.