Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband were among dozens of people given White House security clearance despite "disqualifying issues" in their backgrounds, it has been claimed.

White House security adviser Tricia Newbold said she compiled a list of at least 25 officials whose clearances were initially denied due to concerns over issues including possible foreign influence, conflicts of interests, questionable or criminal conduct, financial problems or drug abuse.

She said senior Trump aides overturned those decisions which was not "in the best interest of national security".

Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to Mr Trump, were among the officials whose clearance denials were overruled, according to Reuters.

It comes after reports that Mr Trump ordered officials to grant Mr Kushner a clearance despite the objections of national security officials.


Image: Donald Trump, pictured with son Barron, appointed Mr Kushner as a special adviser

Ms Newbold said Carl Kline, Mr Trump's former White House personnel security director, personally overruled the career officials' decisions in the cases of two senior officials.

Her allegations were laid out in a letter sent to the White House on Monday and released by Elijah Cummings, chairman of the House of Representatives oversight committee.

The panel has been investigating security clearances issued to senior officials including Mr Kushner, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former White House aide Rob Porter.

In the letter, Ms Newbold said: "I would not be doing a service to myself, my country, or my children if I sat back knowing that the issues that we have could impact national security.

"I feel that right now this is my last hope to really bring the integrity back into our office."

Image: At least 25 officials had security denials overturned by Trump aides, it is alleged

She added: "I'm terrified of going back. I know that this will not be perceived in favour of my intentions, which is to bring back the integrity of the office."

Mr Cummings said he plans to order Mr Kline to appear before the committee and warned that more subpoenas would be issued if the White House does not provide requested documents.

The White House and lawyers for Ms Trump and Mr Kushner are yet to comment on Ms Newbold's evidence.

However Jim Jordan, the top Republican on the House committee, issued a statement calling the letter a "partisan attack" that was "an excuse to go fishing through the personal files of dedicated public servants".