Trump's modelling agency 'closing down'

The modelling agency that President Trump founded in 1999 is shutting down for good, according to reports.

In a leaked email supposedly seen by the New York Post and Mother Jones, Trump Models' president Corinne Nicolas allegedly reveals the closure to staff.

Last week, employees said the agency was operating as normal, but this new email claims the organisation wants to focus on their other businesses.

Donald Trump owns 85% of the company, which was originally called T Models.

It has represented big names including Mia Kang, Paris Hilton and British model Jodie Kidd.

But in the alleged email reportedly seen by Mother Jones, Corinne Nicolas apparently says the Trump organisation is now "choosing to exit the modelling industry".

"We are immensely proud of the opportunities that we have provided to so many talented individuals."

The announcement comes after claims by former employees that Trump Models forced them into terrible living conditions.

Two models from the agency told Business Insider that their experiences with Trump Models are "not that different" from what they've seen at other agencies.

They say the company made them pay "sky-high" rent to live in crammed living quarters, while having to pay a "dizzying number" of fees and expenses.

The claims also suggest the agency had a history of employing foreign models, without work visas.

Since Donald Trump's election, models and staff members have been leaving his agency.

Industry sources say that's as a result of President Trump's controversial political career, which has made his brand "toxic in the modelling world".

Newsbeat has contacted Trump Models for a comment but has yet to receive a response.