Trump's top Middle East adviser set to quit White House
A key adviser to Donald Trump on Middle Eastern policy will become the latest senior figure to leave the White House.
Dina Powell, the US President’s deputy national security adviser, will quit the administration early next year, the White House has confirmed.
The announcement came just two days after Mr Trump’s controversial move to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, which has sparked demonstrations in the West Bank and across the Arab world.
However, close Trump allies say Ms Powell’s departure had always been planned and the former Goldman Sachs executive would continue to offer advice from outside government.
National security adviser HR McMaster told the Washington Post: “Dina has been an invaluable member of President Trump’s team, She organised and drove an effort to restore our nation’s strategic competence.
“Her sage advice helped provide options to the president and her strong relationships across the US government and internationally helped drive execution of the president’s decisions.”
“All of us look forward to continuing to work with her as she continues to support this administration’s efforts on Middle East peace and other issues.”
Eygptian-born Ms Powell had previously served in the George W Bush administration and was appointed to her current post in March this year.
She had offered foreign affairs advice to the Trump White House, with a particular focus on the Middle East, planning the President’s trips to Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Ms Powell had reportedly clashed with key figures in the administration, such as secretary of state Rex Tillerson and former chief strategist Steve Bannon, over the direction of Mr Trump’s foreign policy.
The President’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital this week saw tensions flare on the West Bank.
Palestinian demonstrators carried out protests as part of a “day of rage” on Friday, in which at least two people are thought to have been killed and 200 others injured during clashes with Israeli forces.
Mr Trump’s declaration was described as a “courageous and just decision” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but has received widespread condemnation from Arab nations and western US allies, including the UK.
