White House names new Communications Director

Washington, Sep 13 (IANS) Hope Hicks, one of President Donald Trump's longest serving advisers working in the White House, has been formally named as the new Communications Director.

Hicks, the third person to hold the position in nearly eight months, had been acting in the role since her predecessor Anthony Scaramucci, the colourful and controversial Trump aide, was booted out in July, the New York Times reported on Tuesday.

As White House Communications Director, Hicks, 28, will be responsible for shaping the administration's message. The appointment of Hicks -- a former Ralph Lauren fashion model -- comes after a summer of staff shake-ups at the White House.

Scaramucci was fired after he raised eyebrows for calling a reporter to give a profanity-laced tirade against his own colleagues.

Trump's Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and spokesman Sean Spicer both left their posts after Scaramucci's appointment. General John Kelly, who replaced Priebus, sacked Scaramucci after he was sworn in.

Mike Dubke, who was first appointed as Communications Director, resigned in May. Spicer also filled in as Communications Director while the post was open over the summer.

Hicks had not moved into the office designated for the White House Communications Director, instead opting to remain at her current desk just outside the Oval Office, CNN reported.

She has been with Trump since the former real estate mogul launched his presidential campaign in June 2015. Before being tapped as the interim White House Communications Director last month, Hicks served as Trump's Director of Strategic Communications.

She joined the Trump Organisation in 2014 to work for Ivanka Trump's clothing line and started her career in politics as a spokeswoman during Trump's presidential campaign.