Deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger added his name to a growing list of Trump White House officials resigning in the wake of violence that broke out on Capitol Hill Wednesday afternoon.
Jennifer Jacobs, a reporter for Bloomberg News, first reported the development in a tweet early Thursday morning. She said the resignation was a consequence of Pottinger feeling “dismayed by protesters’ attack and Trump’s role in inciting violence.”
BREAKING: Deputy nat sec adviser Matt Pottinger resigned Wednesday afternoon. Pottinger among WH officials dismayed by protesters’ attack and Trump’s role in inciting violence. Pottinger had intended to resign election day, regardless of outcome, but stayed at O’Brien’s request.
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 7, 2021
Pottinger joins Stephanie Grisham, chief of staff to first lady Melania Trump; deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews; and White House social secretary Rickie Niceta, all of whom announced their resignations after the demonstrations.
“As someone who worked in the hall of Congress, I was deeply disturbed by what I saw today. I’ll be stepping down from my role, effective immediately.” Matthews said while explaining her decision. “Our nation needs a peaceful transfer of power.”
The wave of resignations was sparked by a Capitol Hill protest that left four dead. What began as a “Stop the Steal” rally attempting to delay certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory devolved into chaos when pro-Trump demonstrators breached the Capitol. One of the deceased has been identified as Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old combat veteran and Trump supporter. Information about the other victims is not known at this time.
