Omarosa says it was 'very lonely' being the only senior black woman in Trump's White House while defending the president as 'not a racist'

  • Omarosa Manigault told GMA on Thursday that claims she swore at John Kelly, tried to get into the White House residence and disrupted a party are all untrue 
  • 'Show me the photographs,' she told Michael Strahan, then said false claims were being spread by April Ryan, a CNN contributor and White House reporter 
  • 'John Kelly and I sat down in the Situation Room... and we had a very candid conversation,' she said
  • But ex-Apprentice star hinted she was unhappy in the White House and said: 'I have seen things that have upset me, affected me deeply'
  • She suggested race was an issue saying: 'I have my story to tell as the only African-American woman in this White House.'
  • The US Secret Service denied reports by Ryan on Wednesday that it physically removed her from the White House after she was fired from her job
  • White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders wouldn't answer questions about Manigault Thursday: 'She's resigned from her position, and there's really nothing else to add on that front'
  • Trump, meanwhile, said on Thursday: ''I like Omarosa. Omarosa's a good person' 

Omaraosa Manigault says it was 'very lonely' for her in the Trump White House as a black woman stationed alongside people who 'had never worked with minorities, didn't know how to interact with them.'

'It has been very, very challenging being the only African-American woman in the senior staff,' she told ABC News’ 'Nightline.'

Manigault told the news program Thursday that the White House has a 'lack of diversity' that was regretfully, although that's not something she specifically blamed on President Donald Trump.

A White House official herself until next month, Manigault said, Trump 'is not a racist,' even though he's made comments that were perceived that way.

'Yes, I will acknowledge many of the exchanges, particularly in the last six months, have been racially charged,' she said. 'Do we then just stop and label him as a racist? No.'

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Omaraosa Manigault says it was 'very lonely' for her in the Trump White House as a black woman stationed alongside people who 'had never worked with minorities, didn't know how to interact with them'

Omaraosa Manigault says it was 'very lonely' for her in the Trump White House as a black woman stationed alongside people who 'had never worked with minorities, didn't know how to interact with them'

'It has been very, very challenging being the only African-American woman in the senior staff,' she told ABC News’ 'Nightline.' Manigault is pictured at a White House event in October

'It has been very, very challenging being the only African-American woman in the senior staff,' she told ABC News’ 'Nightline.' Manigault is pictured at a White House event in October

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders had claimed earlier on Thursday, before Nightline released clips of its interview, that the White House has a 'really diverse team across the board.'

'We always want to continue to grow the diversity here. We're going to continue to do that and continue to work hard.'

She could not say how many African-Americans work in the building as she was put on the spot.

She also could not say why Manigault is still on the government's payroll, even though she resigned two days ago and claimed to be 'uncomfortable' and 'deeply' affected by some of the things she saw.

Manigault will not leave her taxpayer-funded position until Jan. 20 - roughly five weeks from the day that she and the president agreed to part ways. She will continue to earn her $179,000-a-year salary until then.  

'She's resigned from her position, and there's really nothing else to add on that front,' Sanders said as she deflected questions about Manigault's messy exit.

Sanders noted that the president likes Manigault, whom he's known for more than a decade. 

He said so himself at a White House event half-an-hour later. 'I like Omarosa. Omarosa's a good person,' President Trump stated.

Manigault will not leave her taxpayer-funded position until Jan. 20 - five weeks from the day she and the president agreed to part ways

Manigault will not leave her taxpayer-funded position until Jan. 20 - five weeks from the day she and the president agreed to part ways

She's seen with husband John Allen Newman, at Good Morning America to talk about her exit from the White House

She's seen with husband John Allen Newman, at Good Morning America to talk about her exit from the White House

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckaee Sanders could not say Thursday why Manigault is still on the government's pay roll, even though she resigned two days ago

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckaee Sanders could not say Thursday why Manigault is still on the government's pay roll, even though she resigned two days ago

Sanders would not delve into the exact details of Manigault's alleged confrontation with White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, which she did not directly rebut in the briefing as she was pressed on the matter by DailyMail.com.

She told another reporter that she was personally unaware that Manigault was so upset about what she'd witnessed during her time at the White House and had never heard her voice those concerns.

As for Manigault's negotiated status that keeps her checks coming into the the new year, Sanders said: 'Look, there's a lot of different protocols that take place in the government. That's part of the process. If you want to reach out to HR, they might be able to walk you through that in a more detailed way -- certainly not that I'm privy to. Thankfully, I haven't been through the process myself, so I can't speak to it from firsthand.'

Manigault denied Thursday that she stormed the White House residence after being fired by Kelly, who she reportedly swore at in a dramatic exit from the White House and escort off the premises two evenings ago during a Christmas Party.

She demanded evidence of her alleged tirade on Good Morning America, calling a report that she did '100 percent false' and claiming she was the victim of a 'vendetta' from a reporter spreading the unverified account of her dismissal.

The White House aide was in New York City in the morning for her television appearance. Sanders said she would return to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue later in day.

Sanders would not answer a question about whether Manigault continues to have complete access to the White House complex. A request for comment also went unanswered by Secret Service.

Asked directly by DailyMail.com about the report that Manigault was actually fired and she that got in Kelly's face, Sanders hedged.

'Omarosa resigned from her position. I'm not going to go into a detailed process any further than that. We've put out a statement, as is standard practice. We're not going to get into the weeds of a personnel decision here at the White House,' she stated.

As rumors about Manigault's departure roiled Washington, she surfaced on Thursday morning to share her story on television.

'I resigned, and I didn't do that in the residence as is being reported. John Kelly and I sat down in the Situation Room, which is a very secure, very quiet room in the White House and we had a very candid conversation,' Manigault said on ABC. 'And I wanted to make the one-year mark that was one of the goals that I set out to, and then get back to my life.' 

April Ryan, the White House Correspondent who claimed that Manigault was 'very vulgar and cursed a lot' at Kelly on her way out, was on CNN this morning to tell her side of the story. She's a CNN contributor

April Ryan, the White House Correspondent who claimed that Manigault was 'very vulgar and cursed a lot' at Kelly on her way out, was on CNN this morning to tell her side of the story. She's a CNN contributor

More than one news outlet has reported that Kelly fired Manigault, who is then said to have rushed the residence and demanded to talk to the president

More than one news outlet has reported that Kelly fired Manigault, who is then said to have rushed the residence and demanded to talk to the president

More than one news outlet has reported that Kelly fired Manigault, who is then said to have rushed the residence and demanded to talk to the president. A single reporter, longtime White House Correspondent April Ryan, has said that Manigault was 'very vulgar and cursed a lot' at Kelly on her way out. 

Manigault said Thursday that stories about her storming the president's private living quarters are 'ridiculous' and 'absurd.'

'I would hope that people would recognize there is a good security infrastructure around this president. I wouldn't want anyone, nonetheless myself, to be able to run around or cause a disruption,' she said. 'He is truly the President of the United States and should be afforded that respect - and I've always been respectful.'

But Manigault also hinted at wider tensions and unhappiness in the White House.

'There were a lot of things that I observed during the last year that I was very unhappy with, that I was very uncomfortable with,' she said, declining to go further until her tenure in the White House has formally ended.

'But when I have my story to tell as the only African-American woman in this White House, as a senior staff and assistant to the president, I have seen things that have made me uncomfortable, that have upset me, that have affected me deeply and emotionally, that has affected my community and my people and when I can tell my story, it is a profound story that I know the world will want to hear.'

That was news to Sanders, who said bluntly that she'd never heard Manigault raise the concerns she's sharing on television and with friends until now.

'The comments that she made, that was the first time I'd heard those. Whether she raised them with other individuals, I'm not aware.'

Meanwhile, Manigault's spat with Ryan showed no signs of ending Thursday. The two had once been friends but fell out bitterly when Manigault reportedly warned Ryan she was that she was keeping a 'dossier' on her and other African-American reporters, something she later denied.

Ryan, a CNN contributor, went on 'New Day' on Thursday, and stuck to her guns, claiming that she had multiple, credible sources telling her that Kelly approached Manigault on Tuesday evening at a White House Christmas Party and said he needed to speak to her.

'And she said sure, I want to have full access again. Full access meaning walk-in privileges any time into the Oval Office, being able to go in and out of meetings as per what she wants to do at any time,' Ryan said.

Kelly told her no, Ryan said on 'New Day,' and Manigault replied:' 'If I don't get it, all hell will break loose,' or 'there'll be a price to pay.' 

'He said, 'Okay, all hell is going to break loose.' And that's where it started. And apparently people heard it. She was allegedly vulgar, cursing,' Ryan said.

Ryan told CNN that she had multiple sources telling her that Manigault was with her husband, a pastor, at the time of the confrontation. Manigault is also a minister. She negotiated a January 20 departure from the White House and offered a signed resignation. 

Manigault was notably absent from the White House on Wednesday, the day after her alleged firing, and Thursday, when she appeared on the set of Good Morning America in New York for a live interview with Michael Strahan.

On GMA, Manigault demanded that Ryan, and others saying she was kicked out, provide videos or photographs to corroborate that version of the story.

'The assertion that I would do that in front of 600 guests at a Christmas party, and no one has reported that except for one individual who has a personal vendetta against me.' she said. 'And so I have to tell you – completely false, unverified reporting. And John Kelly and I had a very straightforward discussion about concerns that I had, issues that I raised, and as a result, I resigned and it will be taking place January 20, when I leave this very interesting administration.' 

Ryan fired back on CNN later in the morning. Noting that she has 20 years of experience on the White House beat. 

'Some may not have liked what I have reported,' she said. 'I have never had anyone say that there is a vendetta...I'm doing my job.'

Ryan reiterated that she has credible sources telling her that Manigault was fired.

She backstopped her account with reporting from CBS, ABC and the New York Times. 'I'm not the only one,' she said.

Omarosa seems 'very angry with the White House' and 'wants to do a tell-all' she said, echoing a sentiment that GMA anchor Robin Roberts had earlier expressed.

After Strahan told his co-host that the 'fourth time could be the charm' on Manigault's relationship with President Trump, Roberts said, 'She said she has a story to tell and I'm sure she'll be selling that story.' 

'Bye Felicia,' Roberts deadpanned.

The U.S. Secret Service confirmed Wednesday evening that Manigault had been terminated and her access to the White House complex revoked.

In a tweet, the agency denied that its personnel was involved in the 'physically removing' of Manigault from the grounds, as Ryan had reported on  air on CNN.

A second message suggested that she is no longer cleared to come and go and she pleases, despite earlier claims from the White House that she would remain in the president's service until Jan. 20.

'The Secret Service was not involved in the termination process of Ms Manigault Newman or the escort off of the complex,' the tweet said. 'Our only involvement in this matter was to deactivate the individual's pass which grants access to the complex.'

Later that hour, President Donald Trump signaled his desire for Manigault to exit her position gracefully.

'Thank you Omarosa for your service! I wish you continued success.'

Earlier on Wednesday, sources inside the White House told DailyMail.com that reports indicating that Manigault was fired and escorted out on Tuesday evening after cursing out Kelly were incorrect.

The American Urban Radio Network White House correspondent's claim that she was is the result of a 'personal vendetta' against Manigault, one said.

Manigault and Ryan used to be friends but have been tearing each other down since the first few weeks of the administration.

President Donald Trump thanked Manigault for her service on Wednesday - hours after it was reported that she was leaving the White House on January 20, 2018

President Donald Trump thanked Manigault for her service on Wednesday - hours after it was reported that she was leaving the White House on January 20, 2018

Secret Service denied reports on Wednesday that it physically removed Manigault from the White House after she was reportedly fired from her job

Secret Service denied reports on Wednesday that it physically removed Manigault from the White House after she was reportedly fired from her job

The normally tight-lipped federal agency confirmed in its denial that she had her access to the complex revoked

The normally tight-lipped federal agency confirmed in its denial that she had her access to the complex revoked

In the wake of an announcement that Manigault would depart the White House next month, Ryan said in a series of tweets that sources told her the senior official acted 'very vulgar and cursed a lot' as Kelly was telling her to move on out.  

The Wall Street Journal subsequently quoted a White House official as saying that Manigault was 'physically dragged and escorted off the campus' on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday evening CBS reported that Manigault raced to the residence to appeal her firing and set off alarms, leading to her removal from the property. The news network also said that Manigault asked the president's daughter, Ivanka, another senior White House adviser to intervene. 

Ryan triumphantly tweeted afterward:  'My sources were right @Omarosa45 tried to get into or break into the residence. She tripped the alarms of the residence. Lawd help!! She was fired'

A senior White House official told DailyMail.com on Thursday morning that the bit about Ivanka was not true - and CBS had already been provided the same denial.

Another official said that Manigault's assistant was still employed at the White House as of Wednesday. 

Two sources inside the the building said Wednesday morning that Manigault resigned on Tuesday evening. An official White House statement said the same thing.  

As Wednesday rolled on, additional details of Manigault's dismissal began to bleed out, including the ill-fated quest to enter the residence that she disputed Thursday on GMA.

'I like to hear all of these interesting tales, but I have to tell you that they are 100 percent false. One of the things that I'd ask of those people who are making those assertions, since they assert that I did it so publicly, is where are the pictures or videos?' she asked. 

Manigault pointed to the Secret Service statement and said, 'I think you should take the word of the U.S. Secret Service over someone who has a personal vendetta to bring me down, and they personally gain by continuing to advance these false narratives.'

She admitted that her access to the White House was restricted upon her resignation but claimed the pass that was taken barred her from viewing classified information and personal presidential communication. 

'And so that access changed, which means that my pass has to change. So what they tweeted was correct,' she said. 'And they're deactivating my pass, reducing it or restricting it to areas I can only go, was absolutely correct and it should be done in that way.'

Manigault said, 'I was not escorted. I did not cause a disruption, and I believe that their word is truly valid.' 

USSS has not responded to a request for clarification from DailyMail.com on Manigault's status and whether she has a second pass, as she claimed on GMA, that gives her access to the complex. 

Omarosa Manigault was not fired and escorted out of the White House last night after cursing out Chief of Staff John Kelly, sources inside the building say 
John Kelly

Omarosa Manigault (left) was not fired and escorted out of the White House last night after cursing out Chief of Staff John Kelly (right), sources inside the building say 

A senior official told DailyMail.com on Wednesday that Ryan's reporting about the cursing at Kelly was wrong.

'April Ryan has a problem with the White House, with Omarosa,' the source said.

The person 'knows these statements aren't true' and claimed that Ryan has 'a personal vendetta that carried over from the feud earlier in the year.'

Another official had also attested that Manigault resigned. 

Secret Service eventually denied that Manigault was escorted off the White House grounds - at least by security.

Manigault will leave the administration on the anniversary of President Donald Trump's inauguration.

Omarosa Manigault is leaving the administration on the anniversary of President Donald Trump's inauguration

An official told DailyMail.com prior to the brouhaha that that Manigault had a chance to speak to the president, with whom she appeared with on the reality television show 'The Apprentice,' and is leaving his service on positive terms.

Manigault was said to have left because of Roy Moore, an Alabama Republican accused of sexually assaulting and harassing teens. Moore was also hit with charges of racism after he said in unearthed remarks that everything after the 10th Amendment should be abolished.

'After Roy Moore, enough was enough,' the aide said. 

A source outside the administration said that she was fired and escorted off the grounds the evening before, however, and she had already been planning Black History Month events for February.

'Why would you be planning Black History Month events if you were going to resign after Roy Moore?' the source said. 

A senior official told DailyMail.com, 'April Ryan has a problem with the White House, with Omarosa'

A senior official told DailyMail.com, 'April Ryan has a problem with the White House, with Omarosa'

The White House quickly confirmed that the 43-year-old staffer who had become a lightning rod for controversy in the Trump administration would be departing in January

The White House quickly confirmed that the 43-year-old staffer who had become a lightning rod for controversy in the Trump administration would be departing in January

The rumor was afoot on Wednesday morning that Manigault was not leaving on her own terms.  

But the White House quickly confirmed that the 43-year-old staffer who had become a lightning rod for controversy in the Trump administration would be departing in January.

'Omarosa Manigault Newman resigned yesterday to pursue other opportunities. Her departure will not be effective until January 20, 2018. We wish her the best in future endeavors and are grateful for her service,' a statement read. 

Manigault struggled in the administration, where she was the only senior African-American staffer. Her office was not in the West Wing, and she's was said to have lost her Oval Office walk-in privileges months ago. 

Former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus was reportedly trying to sideline her before he was fired, although Trump's then-communications director, Mike Dubke, told DailyMail.com in May that it was 'absolutely not' true.

A Daily Beast profile on Manigault in September claimed that Kelly was also trying to curb Manigault's access to the president. But he was having a tough time, the news outlet reported, as would regularly ring Manigault after hours on her cell.

Ryan said Wednesday afternoon on CNN that she was 'still trying to pin down' the 'dual firing-resignation.' 

What she said is known is that Kelly was 'tired of her antics' and that one high-ranking Republican texted her to say that he got word from someone in the White House who said 'Mission Accomplished.'

'She did not have warm feelings with everyone there,' Ryan said.

Manigault said Thursday, on GMA, that Kelly came into the job 'when there was a lot of turmoil' and we all had to adjust to his very different, militaristic style.

'I had a very clear, outlined defined role for what I did,' she said 'Donald Trump chose me for his team. I'm not certain as John Kelly was starting to develop his team, that that's someone that he wanted me to be on his team.'

She said Kelly brought 'much needed order to the West Wing' and acknowledged that he did bar aides from walking into the president's office unless they were invited.

'Certainly, I had more access than most, and people had problems with that,' she stated. 'People had problems with my 14-year relationship with this president. But I've always been loyal to him, straightforward.'

A story about Manigualt's surprise visit to the White House with her 39-person bridal party for a photo shoot in April generated negative buzz. 

This summer, Manigault tussled with the Congressional Black Caucus after the organization snubbed a meeting with Trump over policies they determined would hurt the black community. 

The group was also said to be upset that Manigault affixed the word 'honorable' to her title in the White House's invitation.

Manigault is said to have left because of Roy Moore, an Alabama Republican accused of sexually assaulting and harassing teens. Moore was also hit with charges of racism after he said in unearthed remarks that everything after the 10th Amendment should be abolished

Manigault is said to have left because of Roy Moore, an Alabama Republican accused of sexually assaulting and harassing teens. Moore was also hit with charges of racism after he said in unearthed remarks that everything after the 10th Amendment should be abolished

Early on in the administration, Manigault wound up in the news after a spat with Ryan. The senior White House Correspondent says the Trump administration official 'physically intimidated' her.

Ryan said that Manigault claimed the administration was keeping 'dossiers' on black journalists, as well.

The journalist said in an August podcast that Manigault was ranting and raving at her during the confrontation, in which the former reality TV star accused the seasoned journalist of accepting funds from Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

'I made mincemeat of her, Ryan said, according to the Washington Examiner. 'Because, I said, 'I was here when you got fired the last time and I'll be here when you get fired this time.… I've been doing well. What were you doing last year? Nothing but selling cellphones.' '

Ryan rang the bell again on Twitter on Wednesday as news of Omarosa's departure circulated.

'This is not the first firing for Omarosa from Trump!' Ryan said. 'I heard there was drama and she was escorted out of the building and off campus'.

Another tweet claimed that Manigualt became belligerent to the president's chief of staff, John Kelly, on her way out. 

'Sources say General Kelly did the firing and Omarosa is alleged to have acted very vulgar and cursed a lot and said she helped elect President Trump. The word is a General Kelly had it and got rid of her.'

Omarosa Manigault is pictured endorsing then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally on October 14 2016

Omarosa Manigault is pictured endorsing then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally on October 14 2016

Manigault was fired three times on The Apprentice, Celebrity Apprentice and All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. Since Trump took office, she has been the director of communications for his White House's Office of Public Liaison.

A source told DailyMail.com that Manigault decided to leave the administration in the wake of Moore's defeat to Democrat Doug Jones.

Trump endorsed Moore after the allegations of sexual assault were revealed on the grounds that the Republican denied dating and touching teens. 

It was not until earlier this week that CNN published a report on Moore's 2011 claim that constitutional amendments, including those that ended slavery and gave minorities equal protection under the law, should be eliminated. He had also claimed at a rally in September that the last time America had direction was back when it allowed slavery. 

Manigault stayed on past the president's comment that there were 'very fine people' on both sides of a Charlottesville race riot, a remark that was interpreted by many as racially insensitive.

And she stood by his side through a verbal assault on football players who kneel during the national anthem in protest of police brutality against African-Americans.

By the time Trump fought with an African-American Gold Star widow, Myeshia Johnson, whose husband, La David, died in the line of duty, Manigault's patience was wearing thin, the source said.

Thursday, on GMA, Manigault addressed President Trump's record on race by way of her previous service as a low-level aide in Bill Clinton's White House. 

'People forget that I'm not new to this. I've been in politics for a very, long time, and I know what I'm doing. And what was trying to be done 20 years, and what you're trying to say that we didn't accomplish in 11 months is a little ridiculous,' she said.

'But did President Trump try? I think that he tried in his own way. There are things that he could have done, and things that this administration needs to continue to do to try to bring this country together, and hopefully they'll succeed for the good of this nation.'

She is set to leave the White House on Jan. 20, 2017 – Trump's first anniversary in the Oval Office. She is one of the highest paid White House officials, taking home a salary of $179,000 a year.

At least four more officials will make their own exit then, a White House official said. Those names were not disclosed.

Dina Powell, the deputy national security advisor, has already said she will leave early next year. She is not one of the four.  

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