A third senior national security official has resigned from the White House as part of a broader shake-up linked to John Bolton’s entrance as President Trump’s national security adviser.
Deputy national security adviser Nadia Schadlow announced her departure on Wednesday following weeks of speculation surrounding her fate, as she was particularity close to ousted national security adviser H.R. McMaster. Schadlow reportedly tendered her resignation on Tuesday to allow Bolton to assemble a new National Security Council team.
“The administration thanks Dr. Schadlow for her service and leadership in crafting the president’s ‘America First’ national security agenda srategy. The strategy has set a strong foundation going forward for protecting the homeland, promoting American prosperity, preserving peace through strength and advancing American influence,” deputy White House press secretary Raj Shah said in a statement.
Schadlow’s departure comes on the heels of two other NSC exits this week. The council’s spokesman, Michael Anton, resigned on Sunday after reportedly learning that he would be fired the following morning, and homeland security adviser Tom Bossert announced his own resignation on Tuesday. Both were said to be casualties of Bolton’s desire to add fresh faces to the administration’s national security team.
In a resignation letter obtained by CNN, Schadlow commended her colleagues and Trump for aggressively pursuing his foreign policy agenda during their first year in office.
“I am particularly proud that you were able to submit your [National Security Strategy] to Congress earlier than any previous administration… on time and under budget!” she wrote, borrowing a familiar line from the president.
Schadlow is expected to remain on staff until April 27.
