Melania Trump's unexpected feud with a national security official exploded Tuesday when the first lady publicly called for the official's firing. The quarrel between the first lady and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel apparently began during a trip Trump took to Africa last month. Two officials told USA TODAY that Ricardel argued with Trump's staff over airplane seating for the first lady's trip. They accused Ricardel, who wound up not going to Africa, of spreading false stories about the incident. The officials said Ricardel had clashed with other staff members as well. But on Tuesday, more than a month after the trip, the feud became very public when the first lady released a statement saying Ricardel should be fired. "It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she (Ricardel) no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House," said a statement from Stephanie Grisham, the first lady's communications director. Do you like what you see? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/1xa3XAh Like USA TODAY on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usatoday Follow USA TODAY on Twitter: https://twitter.com/USATODAY