Earlier on Saturday, Trump announced that Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo - who both served in the president-elect's previous administration - would not be offered new positions when he returns to the White House in January.

He wrote in a social media post that he "very much enjoyed working with them previously" and thanked them for their service.

Some of Trump's closest allies have accused Haley and Pompeo of being so-called deep state moles, arguing they would plot to undermine his 'America First' agenda.

Former South Carolina Governor Haley had been the main challenger to Trump for the Republican presidential nomination - she strongly criticised her former boss during primaries, calling him "unhinged".

She eventually endorsed Trump, though he did not call on her to help with his campaign on the final stretch of the election.

While it is little surprise that Haley did not make the shortlist for a role, former CIA director Pompeo had been widely tipped as a contender for secretary of defence.

The former Kansas congressman led Trump's diplomatic blitz in the Middle East and often tangled with the press in defence of his boss.

But influential voices within the Trump-world have been lobbying against Pompeo and Haley.

They include veteran political strategist Roger Stone, who wrote on his website on Friday that Trump ought to beware of “neocons” who might form "a sinister fifth column” within his new administration. Stone singled out Haley and Pompeo.