On Monday (Jan. 11), Chad F. Wolf, acting U.S. Homeland Security Secretary in the Trump administration, abruptly announced his resignation, something he had done 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 authority.”
After the Jan. 6 congressional events erupted, 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’s resignation has sparked condemnation from some Democrats, who point out that Wolf’s departure could lead to a transition of power at a time when the country is negligent in protecting 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 chose to resign at a time of national crisis, when domestic terrorists may be planning to launch further attacks on our government.”
Wolf led 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.
On Monday, the Trump administration announced a state of emergency in Washington to ensure the transition of power, during which DHS and FEMA will be responsible for controlling possible emergencies.
DHS is also expected to be required to take charge of the project for President Trump’s visit to the U.S.-Mexico border wall this Tuesday (Jan. 12), and Wolf’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.
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