On Monday (Jan. 11), Chad F. Wolf, acting U.S. Homeland Security Secretary in the Trump administration, abruptly announced his resignation, which he did without prior warning.
Wolf did not provide a reason for his resignation. In a written letter to DHS employees, he said, “These events and concerns (referring to the Jan. 6 congressional events) have increasingly diverted attention and resources away from the important work of the Department of Defense at a critical time in the transfer of power.”
Wolf’s resignation prompted condemnation from some Democrats, who noted that Wolf’s departure could lead to a transition of power at a time when the country is neglecting to protect itself from terrorist activity.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Calif.) said Wolf’s “timing of his resignation from the Department of Defense today is questionable” and that “he has chosen to resign at a time of national crisis when domestic terrorists may be planning to launch further attacks on our government.”
Following the Jan. 6 outbreak of events in Congress, Wolf had said he was prepared to stay at DHS until Jan. 20 to ensure a smooth transition and help the department focus on the threats facing the nation.
It is not known what factors changed Wolf’s plans.
Wolf leads the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is responsible for immigration enforcement efforts, intelligence integration, emergency response and prevention of terrorist activities, and the Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting key dignitaries such as the U.S. president, is also part of the department.
DHS is expected to be in charge of President Trump’s visit to the U.S.-Mexico border wall project this Tuesday (Jan. 12), and Wolfe’s resignation was submitted the day before this event.
Following Wolf’s resignation, FEMA Director Pete Gaynor will serve as interim director of DHS.
Wolf has served as acting secretary of DHS since November 2019.
Recent Comments