Donald Trump administration fires senior National Security Council aide 'for criticising President'
Craig Deare was selected for the role by Michael Flynn, who was forced to resign after less than a month in office
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The White House fired a senior National Security Council aide after he reportedly criticised President Donald Trump.
Craig Deare, the NSCs senior director for Western Hemisphere Affairs, was dismissed after he publicly mocked Mr Trump at an off-the-record event earlier this week, Politico reports.
A source told Politico Mr Deare criticised the president and his chief strategist and closer adviser Steve Bannon at the Woodrow Wilson Centre think-tank in front of around two dozen scholars.
Mr Deare also complained that senior NSC aides did not have direct lines of communication with the president.
His public criticism also reportedly included an embarrassing readout of Mr Trump's call with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.
Mr Pena Nieto announced he would not meet Mr Trump after the US president threatened to cancel a series of upcoming meetings with Mexico if the country did not agree to pay for his promised US-Mexico border wall.
Less than 24 hours later, the two leaders held a call amid rising tensions, which Mr Trump described as a "friendly call". The content of the call has not been disclosed.
Mr Deare had been selected for the role by Michael Flynn, who resigned less than a month after taking office over revelations he had spoken to a Russian diplomat about US sanctions before Mr Trump took office.
It is illegal for a private citizen to conduct diplomacy on behalf of the US.
Vice-Admiral Robert Harward, Mr Trump's choice for Mr Flynn's successor, turned own the role for personal reasons.
Mr Trump reportedly interviewed other candidates at his Mar-a-Lago resort this weekend.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments