US President Donald Trump tweeted on Sunday that US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen will step down.
“Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen will be leaving her position, and I would like to thank her for her service.” Trump tweeted.
Trump added that Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan would become the acting chief of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“I am pleased to announce that Kevin McAleenan, the current U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, will become Acting Secretary for @DHSgov. I have confidence that Kevin will do a great job!” Trump tweeted.
Earlier, local media reported, citing sources in the Trump administration, that US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was expected to offer her resignation on Sunday evening during a meeting with Trump.
CBS News reported that it was not clear whether Kirstjen intended to resign voluntarily or was pressured to step down.