This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-40687521

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
White House press secretary Sean Spicer resigns White House press secretary Sean Spicer resigns
(35 minutes later)
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer has quit, reportedly in protest at a shake-up of the communications team.White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer has quit, reportedly in protest at a shake-up of the communications team.
Mr Spicer stepped down because he was unhappy with President Donald Trump's appointment of a new communications director, reports the New York Times.Mr Spicer stepped down because he was unhappy with President Donald Trump's appointment of a new communications director, reports the New York Times.
Combative Wall Street financier Anthony Scaramucci has been picked for the role that Mr Spicer partially filled.Combative Wall Street financier Anthony Scaramucci has been picked for the role that Mr Spicer partially filled.
Mr Spicer's press briefings were a cable news hit, but he withdrew from camera in recent weeks.Mr Spicer's press briefings were a cable news hit, but he withdrew from camera in recent weeks.
Profile: Who is Anthony Scaramucci?
The shake-up comes as the White House faces inquiries into alleged Russian meddling in last year's US presidential election and whether Mr Trump's campaign team colluded with Moscow.The shake-up comes as the White House faces inquiries into alleged Russian meddling in last year's US presidential election and whether Mr Trump's campaign team colluded with Moscow.
The New York Times reports that Mr Spicer "vehemently" disagreed with the appointment of Mr Scaramucci, which he believed to be a "major mistake". The New York Times reports that 45-year-old Mr Spicer "vehemently" disagreed with the appointment of Mr Scaramucci, which he believed to be a "major mistake".
Spicer's low pointsSpicer's low points
The search for a new appointment began after Mike Dubke resigned from the communications director job in May.The search for a new appointment began after Mike Dubke resigned from the communications director job in May.
Mr Spicer has been serving as both press secretary and communications director since Mr Dubke's exit.Mr Spicer has been serving as both press secretary and communications director since Mr Dubke's exit.
On day one in January, Mr Spicer set the tone of his relationship with the press by bursting into the briefing room to berate journalists for their reporting of crowd numbers at President Trump's inauguration.On day one in January, Mr Spicer set the tone of his relationship with the press by bursting into the briefing room to berate journalists for their reporting of crowd numbers at President Trump's inauguration.
His proclivity for gaffes and garbling of his words, as well as making debatable assertions, soon saw Mr Spicer's name trending on Twitter.His proclivity for gaffes and garbling of his words, as well as making debatable assertions, soon saw Mr Spicer's name trending on Twitter.
He was mercilessly lampooned on the topical comedy show Saturday Night Live, where Melissa McCarthy played him as a gum-chewing, loud-mouthed thug who brandished his lectern at reporters. Bigger tremors to come? Analysis by Anthony Zurcher, BBC News
Mr Spicer became something of a punchline when he reportedly sought refuge by a hedgerow on the White House grounds to evade reporters' questions on the night Mr Trump fired the FBI director in May. Life on a White House staff is intense and exhausting.
This administration is under particular pressure, given the ongoing Russia investigation, recent legislative setbacks and a president who can be, shall we say, occasionally off-message. Now cracks in the structure are beginning to show.
Sean Spicer's departure, reportedly because he doesn't want to work for newly named communication director Anthony Scaramucci, represents the most significant shakeup within the administration's senior team to date. It could also be a sign of bigger tremors to come.
Mr Spicer was closely allied with White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, who was his boss last year in the Republican National Committee.
The Trump team has been rife with personal feuds, as various factions vie for a mercurial president's ear. Leaks abound.
The prestige and power of advisers and aides wax and wane. Media reports abound of a White House under siege.
And just a reminder - the Trump presidency is only six months old.
But he could also be funny and charming and was liked by many members of the White House press corps.
Mr Spicer was mercilessly lampooned on the topical comedy show Saturday Night Live, where Melissa McCarthy played him as a gum-chewing, loud-mouthed thug who brandished his lectern at reporters.
Mr Trump noted approvingly in April that Mr Spicer "gets great ratings". A month later, the president said: "He's doing a good job but he gets beat up."
Mr Spicer became something of a punchline when he reportedly sought refuge by a hedgerow on the White House grounds to evade reporters on the night Mr Trump fired the FBI director in May.
His last on-camera briefing was on 20 June.
The last on-camera briefing from the White House was hosted by deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders back on 29 June.
Members of the media have accused the Trump administration of attempting to kill off the daily news conferences to avoid scrutiny.
Mr Scaramucci, who has no previous experience in communications roles, is currently senior vice-president of the Export-Import Bank, a US government agency which guarantees loans for foreign buyers of American exports.
He is a trusted loyalist who has frequently appeared on television to defend Mr Trump. But he has not always been a supporter.
In August 2015, he attacked Mr Trump shortly after the Republican candidate launched his White House bid.
Mr Scaramucci told Fox Business that Mr Trump was a "hack", whose criticism of hedge funds was "anti-American", adding: "I don't like the way he talks about women."
He continued: "The politicians don't want to go at Trump because he's got a big mouth and they're afraid he will light them up on Fox News.
"You're an inherited money dude from Queen's County. Bring it, Donald."