Donald Trump forces his campaign manager out

Republican presidential contender Donald Trump has forced his hard-charging campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski out, in a dramatic shakeup designed to calm panicked Republican leaders.

Mr Lewandowski — in some ways as brash and unconventional as the candidate himself — had been by Mr Trump’s side since the beginning of his unlikely rise to presumptive Republican nominee.

But he clashed with longtime operatives brought in to make the campaign more professional. He played a central role in daily operations, fundraising, and Mr Trump’s search for a running mate, but Mr Lewandowski’s aggressive approach also fuelled near-constant campaign infighting that complicated Mr Trump’s shift toward the general election.

Mr Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks described Mr Lewandowski’s departure as a “parting of ways”.

A person close to Mr Trump said Mr Lewandowski was forced out largely because of his poor relationship with the Republican National Committee and Republican officials.

The move came as Mr Trump faced continued deep resistance from many quarters of his party concerned by his contentious statements and his reluctance to engage in traditional fundraising.

Mr Trump was upset that so many Republicans — House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell among them — were reluctant to support him, the person said, and at least partially blamed Mr Lewandowski.

Often mistaken for a member of the candidate’s security team, Mr Lewandowski travelled with Mr Trump on his private plane to nearly every campaign stop, giving him more direct access to the businessman than nearly any other campaign staffer.

Minutes after news of Mr Lewandowski’s departure was announced, Trump aide Michael Caputo tweeted, “Ding dong the witch is dead!”, and included a link to the song from the film, The Wizard of Oz.

Mr Lewandowski was charged with misdemeanor battery in the spring for an altercation involving a female reporter during a rally. The charges were later dropped. Mr Trump defended him throughout the episode and repeatedly framed his own actions as a sign of loyalty.