Who is Sean Spicer? Former White House Press Secretary who sensationally resigned from Donald Trump’s staff

SEAN Spicer has resigned as White House Press Secretary after just six months in the role.

The life-long Republican was appointed to the role on December 22 last year and assumed office on the day of President Trump's inauguration, January 20. Here's what we know.

What is Sean Spicer's background?

Sean Michael Spicer was born on September 23, 1971 in Barrington, Rhode Island, USA.

His dad was an insurance agent while his mum worked as an academic manager.

Spicer's first job in politics was working for Republican Congressman for the state of New Jersey Mike Pappas in the late 1990s.

He eventually became the communications director and spokesman for the House Budget Committee and then the comms director for the Republican Conference of the US House of Representatives.

From 2006 to 2009 he was the assistant US Trade Representative for President George W. Bush.

Spicer briefly joined a private public relations firm after working for the Bush administration before becoming Communications Director for the Republican National Committee.

Why did Sean Spicer resign?

Spicer reportedly told the President that the appointment of Wall Street financier Anthony Scaramucci as communications director was "a major mistake".

Spicer had been serving a dual role as press secretary and communications director since May when former comms boss Michael Dubke resigned.

He had also covered the position earlier in Trump's term following the resignation of Jason Miller amid infidelity rumours - continuing until Dubke's arrival in March 2017.

What controversies was Sean Spicer involved in?

Spicer's brief stint in the post, which he took up immediately after Trump's inauguration, has been marked by controversy since day one.

In his first press briefing he scathed journalists for reporting that crowd numbers to see the new President being sworn in were lower than recent ceremonies.

His brisk approach to press questions spawned a spook character on US comedy show Saturday Night Live played by Melissa McCarthy.

Spicer was also ridiculed after hiding in the bushes around the White House to avoid being seen on camera, after Trump fired FBI director James Comey in May.

But the devout Catholic had remained loyal to the President – despite being snubbed for a visit with Trump to meet the Pope.

A US television reporter was said to have had the door slammed in his face when asking Spicer about the appointment of Scaramucci on Friday, shortly before he quit.

What is Spicer's role in the White House?

Spicer was named as Trump's Press Secretary on December.

The 45-year-old held his first press briefing on January 21 where he admonished TIME Magazine reporter Zeke Miller for falsely reporting Trump had removed a bust of Martin Luther King from the Oval office.

He also blasted the media for allegedly underestimating the size of the crowd at the inauguration.

Is Sean Spicer married?

Spicer has been married to Rebecca Miller since 2004.

They live in Alexandria, Virginia, with their two children.

Miller is the top communications officer for the National Beer Wholesalers Association.

Spicer is a Commander in the US Navy Reserve as a public affairs officer.