Trump press secretary Sarah Sanders to leave White House

President Donald Trump has made the surprise announcement of the departure of spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, who has been widely criticised for her performance in the White House.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders replaced Sean Spicer as White Press Secretary in July 2017. (AAP) Source: AAP

Outgoing White House press secretary Sarah Sanders.

Source: AP

"After 3 1/2 years, our wonderful Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be leaving the White House at the end of the month and going home to the Great State of Arkansas," Mr Trump tweeted, adding that he hoped she would run for governor of her state.

"She is a very special person with extraordinary talents, who has done an incredible job! I hope she decides to run for Governor of Arkansas - she would be fantastic. Sarah, thank you for a job well done."

Press secretary Sarah Sanders.

Source: AAP

Ms Sanders, the daughter of Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, worked for the 2016 Trump campaign before she was elevated to press secretary in 2017.

She was only the third woman to hold the role of White House press role the second person.