There are reports that Sheriff David Clarke of Milwaukee County has resigned. This is a developing story. The reason for the ex-sheriff's resignation remains unclear. We’ll keep you updated.
In June, Clarke was supposedly being considered for the Assistant Secretary Position at the Department of Homeland Security. He later withdrew his name.
#BREAKING: Milwaukee County @SheriffClarke has resigned. County Clerk George Christenson says he got a resignation letter at 3:16 p.m.
— Theo Keith (@TheoKeith) August 31, 2017
:: BREAKING NOW: Milwaukee County Clerk confirms @MCSOSheriff @SheriffClarke David Clarke has resigned. Letter received at 3:17pm. pic.twitter.com/IDqUUp5atm
— Steve Chamraz (@TMJ4Steve) August 31, 2017
The reason for Clarke’s departure is still unclear, though it’s being described as a first step towards retirement for the longtime sheriff. While the position at Homeland Security did not work out, there were rumors that he could be heading for another position within the Trump administration. Yet, sources close to Sheriff Clarke said that he would most likely take a new job with an outside group that is involved with pushing the Trump agenda (via WaPo):
It remains unclear why the sheriff, 61, left his job, a move he’s characterized as his retirement. Clarke had served as sheriff since 2002.
A longtime adviser, Craig Peterson, said Clarke is unlikely to make any public comments until next week, although the former sheriff took to social media on Friday morning to change his Twitter bio — “Sheriff (ret).,” it now begins — and to acknowledge his decision.
[…]
…according to a person close to Clarke, he is likely to join an outside group that supports the president’s agenda. A second person familiar with the matter said that Clarke was not expected to join the Trump administration. Both individuals spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.
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Politico reported on the possible position within the Trump administration, though the White House didn’t confirm and said they had no announcements at the time:
It’s unclear what job Clarke will take in the administration, but one of the sources said he’s expected to join the White House. Clarke likely won’t be offered a Senate-confirmed role because his nomination would face opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
“We have no announcement at this time,” White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said. In a text message, Clarke said, "Will talk about my future plans next week."
We’ll keep you updated, as we’re playing the super secret sources game here.
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