White House officials resign

Two of the top aides of the US First Lady Melania Trump resigned on Wednesday in the wake of the violence in the Capitol Hill, while other senior White House officials are considering resigning, including Robert O'Brien, National Security Adviser and his deputy, Matthew Pottinger, informed sources said.

Stephanie Gresham, the first lady's chief of staff, resigned after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed Congress to prevent the presidential election results from being certified.

"I was honored to serve the country at the White House, I am extremely proud to have participated in Mrs. (Melania) Trump's mission to help children everywhere, and proud of the many achievements of this administration," Gresham said in a statement.

Gresham, who spent a year as a White House press spokesperson before becoming the first lady's chief of staff, did not say whether her resignation was a reaction to the violence in the capital, but a source familiar with her decision said the violence was the last straw for her.

Two sources told Reuters that Ricky Nesita, the White House social secretary, has also resigned, as has Sarah Matthews, the deputy White House press spokesman.

Two sources told Reuters that O'Brien was also considering resigning, as was Pottinger.

"I just spoke with Vice President (Mike) Pence," O'Brien said in a statement earlier on Wednesday.

"I am proud to work with him," he added.

A source said there was also talk inside the White House that Chris Liddell, the deputy chief of staff, might resign.

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