On Sunday Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen resigned from her job, citing that it was time for her to leave. However, ever since her predecessor left, Nielson’s days have appeared to be counting down. Nielson has been expected to be kicked out since last November due to her and President Trump not seeing eye-to-eye on many immigration techniques.
Resignation
On Sunday Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen resigned, one of the latest of Trump’s Cabinet members to exit the picture. Her resignation letter, unlike others who have left Trump’s Cabinet, lacked any controversy. “I have determined that it is the right time for me to step aside,” Nielsen wrote in her resignation letter. “I hope that the next secretary will have the support of Congress and the courts in fixing the laws which have impeded our ability to fully secure America’s borders and which have contributed to discord in our nation’s discourse.” [1]
Nielson had been growing increasingly annoyed with Trump’s rash decisions and lack of support from other departments. “The President is rightly frustrated that existing loopholes and the lack of Congressional action have prevented this administration from fully securing the border and protecting the American people,” she said. “I share his frustration.” [2]
Another Replacement
After Trump gave Neilson no warning before he pulled the nomination of acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Ron Vitiello, Nielson knew she was either going to resign or be fired at their next meeting.
President Trump has chosen Kevin McAleenan to replace her temporarily. Although he is considered to be competent by Congress and the White House, it’s unclear what he can do that will be different from what Nielson was doing.
….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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2019
Notes:
- ^Nielson Quits Job https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2019/04/08/trumps_choice_at_homeland_security_focuses_on_border_139988.html (go back ↩)
- ^Kirstjen Nielsen quits as US Homeland Security Secretary https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/04/07/kirstjen-nielsen-quits-us-homeland-security-secretary/ (go back ↩)
