US Homeland Security Chief Wolf resigns from the post

Wolf will be replaced by Pete Gaynor, the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.


US Homeland Security Chief, Chad Wolf has resigned from the post over the US Capitol siege. Last week, Wolf had said that he would remain in charge until the end of President Donald Trump's administration on January 20. "I am saddened to take this step, as it was my intention to serve the department until the end of this administration," Wolf wrote in his resignation letter. "Unfortunately, this action is warranted by recent events, including the ongoing and merit-less court rulings regarding the validity of my authority as Acting Secretary. These events and concerns increasingly serve to divert attention and resources away from the important work of the department in this critical time of a transition of power," he said.

Wolf's resignation has come amidst the warning issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of "armed protests" throughout the country during the inaugural ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20. His resignation will come into effect from Monday midnight. Wolf will be replaced by Pete Gaynor who is the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the rest of the period of Trump administration.

Congressman Bennie Thompson, Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, raised doubts on the resignation of Wolf. "So the timing of his resignation from the Department today is questionable. He has chosen to resign during a time of national crisis and when domestic terrorists may be planning additional attacks on our government. Unlike others, he is apparently not leaving the Trump administration on principle," he said. Wolf condemned the US Capitol riots and is the third Cabinet minister of the Trump administration to resign. 

 

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