Mira Ricardel Reportedly Refuses Estonia Ambassador Post

President Donald Trump reportedly offered to make Mira Ricardel the US ambassador to Estonia after she was ousted from her position as national security adviser John Bolton's top deputy, but she ultimately refused, Bloomberg reported.

Ricardel's White House departure came under controversial circumstances after first lady Melania Trump made an unconventional, public call for the national security aide to be fired.

The first lady and Ricardel reportedly clashed, most prominently over seating arrangements for Melania's Africa trip. This prompted the now former deputy national security adviser to withhold National Security Council resources from the first lady.

Read more: It looks like Melania Trump might get her wish — John Bolton's No. 2 is reportedly set to be ousted at the White House

Ricardel also reportedly butted heads with Defense Secretary James Mattis and White House chief of staff John Kelly.

When the White House on Wednesday announced Ricardel's departure, it said in a statement she would "transition to a new role within the administration."

Estonia is a key NATO ally and borders Russia, making a US ambassadorship in the country a particularly significant role.

In a statement on Friday, Ricardel said it's been "an honor to serve the president as deputy national security adviser."

"I admire the president and first lady and have great respect for my colleagues who are dedicated to supporting the president's policies, and I look forward to working with them in the months ahead," she said.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from INSIDER.

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