Mike Dubke: White House communications director resigns for personal reason
The White House communications director has resigned only three months after being hired by President Donald Trump.
Mike Dubke, an experienced Republican strategist, was hired in March to revamp the White House media strategy.
As part of the shake-up, White House press secretary Sean Spicer will reportedly hold on to his position, but there will be fewer media briefings.
The reshuffle follows reports of disarray in the White House communications team.
Mr Dubke tendered his resignation on 18 May and is leaving on good terms, according to Axios News, a politics website which first reported his exit.
Rumours have been swirling that White House press secretary Sean Spicer could be replaced
White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Mr Dubke had agreed to stay on until Mr Trump returned from his trip to the Middle East and Europe on Saturday.
“Mike tendered his resignation just before the President’s historic international trip and offered to remain onboard until a transition is concluded,” said Mr Priebus.
“Mike will assist with the transition and be a strong advocate for the President and the President’s policies moving forward.”
According to news website Politico, Mr Dubke, 47, provided few details on his departure in an email to friends.
“The reasons for my departure are personal,” he wrote, “but it has been my great honor to serve President Trump and this administration.
“It has also been my distinct pleasure to work side-by-side, day-by-day with the staff of the communications and press departments.
“This White House is filled with some of the finest and hardest working men and women in the American Government.”