Former defense exec becomes Bolton's deputy

President Trump has appointed former defense industry executive Charles Kupperman to serve as deputy to national security adviser John Bolton, according to a White House announcement.

Kupperman worked previously as vice president for business development of missile defense systems for Boeing, and as vice president of Washington space operations for Lockheed Martin.

Kupperman replaces Mira Ricardel, who was ousted from the position after extraordinary public criticism from First Lady Melania Trump.

"It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House," Stephanie Grisham, the first lady's spokeswoman, said in a November statement.

The White House notes Kupperman also served in the Reagan administration in the Executive Office of the President, NASA, and the President's General Advisory Committee on Arms Control and Disarmament. Kupperman also advised Reagan's presidential campaign on defense and foreign policy matters.

"Charlie Kupperman has been an adviser to me for more than 30 years, including during my tenure as national security adviser to President Trump," Bolton said in a statement. "Charlie's extensive expertise in defense, arms control and aerospace will help further President Trump's national security agenda."