Madeleine Westerhout quits: Donald Trump's personal assistant resigns 'after leaking information about his family'

Donald Trump's trusted aide Madeleine Westerhout reportedly walked out of the White House following accusations she gossiped about the president's family
The Washington Post/Getty Images

Donald Trump’s personal assistant, who has served him since day one of his presidency, has resigned, sources have said.

Madeleine Westerhout’s shock departure came after she allegedly shared intimate details of the US president’s family and Oval Office operations at an off-the-record dinner with reporters.

Ms Westerhout, 29, had been drinking and disclosed the private details during the meal which took place in New Jersey, during Mr Trump’s holiday at his nearby golf club in the town of Bedminster, according to the New York Times (NYT).

Anonymous sources told the paper the president learnt of her breach of trust yesterday, prompting her swift exit from the White House.

Ms Westerhout is accused of disclosing personal details about the president at a dinner with reporters
AFP/Getty Images

The 29-year-old became a close aide to the president after working for the Republican National Committee as an assistant to Chief of Staff Katie Walsh.

She also worked for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, and reportedly cried on election night in 2016 because she was so upset over Mr Trump’s victory.

But she soon earnt the president’s trust and, once employed as his PA, enjoyed unique access to him and his family, the NYT reported.

She was often pictured escorting visitors through the Trump Tower lobby during his transition to the presidency.

She also often shared photos on her private Instagram account of her life in the West Wing, including trips to rallies and Trump properties.

In February, she fiercely tweeted against a "disgraceful breach of trust" after the president's private schedules were leaked to American news site Axios.

However, her recent dinner in New Jersey was not the first time Ms Westerhout has been accused of gossiping with members of the press, according to CBS news.

At a farewell event for former press secretary Sarah Sanders, she allegedly bragged about her “gatekeeper” status, the American news site reported.

Ms Westerhout, pictured here with Rolls-Royce CEO Marion Blakey, previously worked for the Republican National Committee
AFP/Getty Images

The 29-year-old’s desk was just outside the Oval Office in the West Wing of the White House.

As special assistant to the president and director of Oval Office operations, she reportedly earned around £119,000 ($145,000) annually.

Mr Trump alluded to her importance during a phone call with journalist Bob Woodward in September 2018, according to a transcript released by The Washington Post

'Fear: Trump in the White House' by Bob Woodward offers a startling insight into the day-to-day running of the presidency.
AP

Mr Trump claimed he hadn’t received any of Woodward's interview requests for his forthcoming book, ‘Fear’.

"Did you speak to Madeleine?" Mr Trump reportedly asked.

When Woodward replied that he hadn’t, the president responded: "Madeleine is the key. She's the secret."

The White House and Ms Westerhout have not yet responded to request for comment.

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