Donald Trump’s patience with his administration's 'no men' appeared finally up on Friday as speculation of imminent sackings entered overdrive.

The US president was reportedly on the brink of dismissing a string of moderating figures who have hemmed in his hardline instincts over the last year.

HR McMaster, the three-star general who is Mr Trump’s national security adviser, was at the top the hit list after months of fraught relations between the pair.

John Kelly, another military man seen as a restraining influence as chief of staff, and Jeff Sessions, the beleaguered attorney general, were also reportedly in the firing line.

But Mr Trump’s frustration also included cabinet members hit by sleaze allegations and White House aides who have got on his nerves, according to numerous US media reports.

Washington is braced for a shake-up, with #firingfriday circulating on social media and aides admitting privately that no one knew what Mr Trump had planned.