The Thursday exit of the president’s most trusted aide, coming one day after yet another Cabinet departure, highlights continuing uncertainty among Trump aides and White House staff about who might be the next to go. Hicks departed the administration on her own terms and was given a gracious goodbye by Trump outside the Oval Office in view of reporters. White House officials are apprehensive about Hicks’ departure, given her unrivaled position in the president’s orbit. Aides said controversies around Trump’s staff need to hit a certain decibel level to get the president’s attention. White House ethics officials, directed by Kelly, have warned Carson, Pruitt and others that further negative attention could change the dynamic and send them packing.

Source: National Post March 29, 2018 22:15 UTC