White House seeks new communications chief as key aide steps down

The revolving doors at the White House are turning again as the US president seeks another communications chief.

It follows the surprise resignation of Hope Hicks, one of Donald Trump's longest and most trusted serving aides.

No official reason has been given to explain her decision but her sudden departure is being linked by some to the inquiry into Russian interference in the presidential election.

"She was on Capitol Hill just one day before announcing her resignation, answering questions from lawmakers for hours. She is someone that Mueller's team has wanted to talk to about various incidents that she was involved in. So she's right in the center of that controversy," said Julie Pace, AP Washington Bureau chief.

Hicks is the fourth different person to hold the post since Trump took office. Like her boss, the 29-year-old former model had no previous political experience before joining his election campaign.