Hope Hicks, Trump’s Communications Director, to Resign

Hicks has been an adviser to the president since his campaign for the White House

Ms. Hicks, 29 years old, told the president in recent weeks that she wanted to leave the White House to explore outside opportunities

.. “There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to President Trump,” Ms. Hicks said in a statement. “I wish the President and his administration the very best as he continues to lead our country.”

..“I will miss having her by my side but when she approached me about pursuing other opportunities, I totally understood,” Mr. Trump said. “I am sure we will work together again in the future.”

.. Ms. Hicks, who for the most part kept a low profile in the White House, has faced scrutiny in recent weeks over her personal relationship with Rob Porter, the former White House staff secretary who resigned amid allegations of domestic abuse by his ex-wives, which he denied. The White House faced widespread criticism for its response to the allegations and Mr. Trump privately placed some of the blame on Ms. Hicks, White House officials said—surprising people inside the West Wing because he has rarely criticized her.

.. Mr. Kelly in recent months had frequently asked others about what they thought of the performance of Ms. Hicks and other top communications officials.

.. Ms. Hicks said she had told certain “white lies” but hadn’t deceived anyone about anything related to the Russia probe.

.. As an example of the sorts of untruths she has told, she mentioned

telling someone whom Mr. Trump didn’t wish to see that he was too busy to meet. Another example she discussed was

spinning certain developments in the most favorable light possible.

Republicans on the panel defended her honesty and said the questioning from the Democratic side was a ploy to undercut her credibility.

.. Before joining the Trump campaign, Ms. Hicks worked at a public-relations firm in New York City, where she worked for Ivanka Trump’s brand and the Trump Organization.