In addition to many recent transfers, firings, and pardons, we just recently reported on a speculative report that the New York Times “anonymous” leaker has been potentially named and slated for transfer. In our report this morning we also speculated that it doesn’t look like the end for President Trump’s recent string of decisive actions and “swamp drains”.
Regardless of how you look at it, we are able to report that another top official is resigning, at the request of President Trump. This time it is the top policy official at the Pentagon, John Rood. See breaking news tweet from Breaking911 below:
The Pentagon's top policy official John Rood resigned on Wednesday at the request of President Donald Trump, according to a copy of his resignation letter.
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 19, 2020
Rood reportedly was the official who recently warned President Trump against withholding military aid to Ukraine. Based on history, President Trump is not a fan of those who go against his policy decisions forcefully, although he does like to hear differing opinions. President Trump actually thanked him for his service on Twitter, and it’s honestly hard to tell if he’s genuine or possibly taunting him.
“I would like to thank John Rood for his service to our Country, and wish him well in his future endeavors!” He said in a retweet of Jennifer Jacobs who was reporting on the story. See below:
I would like to thank John Rood for his service to our Country, and wish him well in his future endeavors! https://t.co/kPA1rYCKvp
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2020
It’s reported that Dr. James Anderson, the current senior official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy will take over the responsibilities of Undersecretary Rood until a permanent replacement is appointed by the President and confirmed. CNN said this in part:
“It is my understanding from Secretary Esper that you requested my resignation from serving as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Senior administration officials appointed by the President serve at the pleasure of the President, and therefore, as you have requested, I am providing my resignation effective February 28, 2020,” Rood wrote in his letter to President Donald Trump, dated Wednesday.
Stay tuned to see what President Trump’s next move will be.
