The ink hadn’t even dried on Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s resignation letter before the White House hinted that other changes to President Obama’s national security team could be coming.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest wouldn’t discuss specifics but said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if other cabinet members or key advisers to the president decided to step down.
“I don’t know of any other staff changes that are being contemplated on the national security team, or on the domestic policy team for that matter. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are other individuals who decide that somebody else should serve in their role for the last two years of the president’s time in office,” Mr. Earnest told reporters Monday. “But I’m not aware of any impending announcements on this front.”
Mr. Hagel, a former Republican senator from Nebraska who has led the Pentagon for two years, officially resigned Monday. The White House cast the resignation as a mutual decision between Mr. Hagel and Mr. Obama, but the two reportedly clashed on a number of foreign-policy issues.
Mr. Earnest downplayed those reports and framed Mr. Hagel’s departure, along with other potential resignations, as business as usual.
“This is a natural time for people to announce their decisions to leave,” Mr. Earnest said, referring to the period immediately following an election.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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