Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger announced his resignation on Thursday, joining a number of officials who have left President Donald Trump’s administration following violence at the U.S. Capitol building earlier this week.
The White House hasn’t immediately commented on Pottinger’s departure, although Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Ezra Cohen—who has worked together with the deputy during past activities—acknowledged his departure.
“He has served our country with great distinction,” he continued. “I am grateful for his time in office.”
Pottinger started to serve the Trump administration as the deputy national security advisor in September 2019 and was also part of the National Security Council as Asia director since 2017. Before his political career, he worked as a journalist and has been an officer with the U.S. Marine Corps.
During his time at the Trump administration, he was a leading participant in the development of the administration’s policies toward China. His resignation is one of many that have occurred in the wake of the Capitol breach.
Chao, married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, said in a message to staff that the attack “has deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside.”
She said in her resignation letter it has been an honor for her to serve the department and hoped workers in the agency would “carry forward our vision” but added that she’s resigning effective Jan. 11.
