Department of Homeland Security's Acting Deputy Secretary Claire Grady has resigned effective tomorrow, a tweet from outgoing Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said.
Acting Deputy Secretary Claire Grady has offered the President her resignation, effective tomorrow. For the last two years, Claire has served @DHSgov w excellence and distinction. She has been an invaluable asset to DHS – a steady force and a knowledgeable voice.
— Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen (@SecNielsen) April 9, 2019
Claire has led the men and women of DHS who support our operational staff. Her sound leadership and effective oversight have impacted every DHS office and employee and made us stronger as a Department. Clair has had a remarkable career in public service...
— Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen (@SecNielsen) April 9, 2019
... - 28 years at the Departments of Homeland Security & Defense - that is coming to a close. I am thankful for Claire’s expertise, dedication & friendship & am filled w gratitude for her exemplary service to DHS & to our country. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
— Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen (@SecNielsen) April 9, 2019
The news comes after Secretary Nielsen's resignation on Sunday. The changes at DHS are said to be part of a broader staff change pushed by White House senior adviser Stephen Miller.
Some called into question the legality of Trump tapping Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan as acting DHS Secretary.
The law required DHS Secretary Nielsen to be replaced by the (Acting) Deputy Secretary. In order for CBP Commissioner McAleenan to become Acting Secretary, as POTUS wants, Grady had to quit or be fired. Thus: https://t.co/SfwbtMu7dl
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 9, 2019
White House officials have been pushing the Claire Grady to resign, since if Grady is still serving in that role when Nielsen officially steps down tomorrow, a federal statute would require her to be named acting secretary instead of McAleenan. https://t.co/eo0YePyP2B https://t.co/NiiNc5yW0X
— Rebecca Ballhaus (@rebeccaballhaus) April 9, 2019
This means Trump’s pick, Kevin McAleenan, can take over tomorrow. As acting deputy secretary, Grady was in line to take over when Nielsen resigned. Some speculated she’d force the admin to fire her. https://t.co/dlSwtv5wkf
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) April 9, 2019
Why isn't Claire Grady the acting secretary? See 6 U.S.C. §113(g). https://t.co/EcTtAhHPz3
— Anne Joseph O'Connell (@AJosephOConnell) April 7, 2019
Context here:
— Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) April 10, 2019
When Nielsen got fired, Trump immediately announced that CBP chief McAleenan would serve as Acting Secretary.
Later people pointed out that the statute mandates the acting job go to Grady instead. So now she’s fired too! https://t.co/XTarX1vGhf
This is a breaking news story. As more information comes in, this post will be updated.