Donald Trump

Trump Homeland Security Adviser Bossert Resigning

The president "thanks him for his patriotic service and wishes him well," the White House said

White House homeland security adviser Thomas Bossert is resigning, the White House confirmed Tuesday. 

Bossert has been one of the public faces of President Donald Trump's national security team, often briefing the press on the administration's plans. But the team is in transition after John Bolton replaced H.R. McMaster as national security adviser. Bolton's first day was Monday.

Bossert's is the latest in a string of departures from the White House in the past month. Along with McMaster, Trump's secretary of state, secretary of veterans affairs, communications director and chief economic adviser left or were ousted from the administration.

"The President is grateful for Tom's commitment to the safety and security of our great country," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. "Tom led the White House's efforts to protect the homeland from terrorist threats, strengthen our cyber defenses, and respond to an unprecedented series of natural disasters. President Trump thanks him for his patriotic service and wishes him well."

Bloomberg first reported that Bossert is resigning.

A source close to Bossert told NBC News that he was unaware that the White House intended to seek his resignation and had no plans to quit.

Sanders, asked at a press briefing later Tuesday whether Bossert was forced out, said "he resigned." 

Bossert had attended an intelligence conference in Georgia over the weekend, touting the administration's response to suspected Russian election meddling, NBC News reported Monday.

"We will hold countries accountable for unchecked bad cyber behavior coming from their countries. We've been doing that it in ways known and unknown, seen and unseen, and think we are starting to see some positive results," he said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us