Communications Director Resigns, Ramadan Dinner Canceled? The Latest from the Beltway

Changes Afoot?

White House Communications Director Mike Dubke is out. So who will take his place? And does the White House have a communication issue?

So far, the administration is denying rumors of any “shakeup.”

“It’s much more collaborative than people realize,” White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told Fox News.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer says the real problem is the media’s constant onslaught of “fake news.”

Dubke retired May 18 after only three months on the job.

In an email to friends he wrote, "It has been my great honor to serve President Trump and this administration."

He cited personal reasons for that departure. No official word on who will take his place.

The communication change comes on the heels of a Washington Post report that Trump's top aide, Jared Kushner, attempted to set up a back channel for communication with the Russians during the presidential transition.

When asked about Rep. Adam Schiff’s, D-Calif., calls to review Kushner’s security clearance, Spicer pushed back.

“I’m not going to dignify partisan accusations,” he said.

Spicer went on to point out Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly’s defense that back channels can be a tool to diplomacy.

Is the State Department Canceling Its Annual Ramadan Observance?

Meanwhile, CBN News is following reports that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has rejected an offer to host a Ramadan dinner at the State Department.

Ramadan is considered the holy month for Muslims.

This decision would mean Tillerson is breaking with a nearly 20-year bi-partisan tradition.

A State Department Spokesperson told CBN News: “We are still exploring possible options for observance of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan.  U.S. ambassadors are encouraged to celebrate Ramadan through a variety of activities, which are held annually at missions around the world.”

No word on whether or not The White House will follow suit.