PoliticoChad Wolf steps down from US Department of Homeland Security
- Trump withdrew Wolf’s nomination to head the DHS in a permanent capacity last week after the acting secretary condemned the Capitol attack
- Transport Secretary Elaine Chao and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos also stepped down after the siege
This story is published in a content partnership with POLITICO. It was originally reported by Daniel Lippman and Matthew Choi on politico.com on January 11, 2021.
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf is stepping down from his post, two DHS officials confirmed to POLITICO on Monday.
“Effective 11.59pm today, I am stepping down as your acting secretary,” Wolf wrote in a message to the department. “I am saddened to take this step, as it was my intention to serve the department until the end of this administration.”
Wolf cited ongoing court rulings challenging his authority as acting secretary. A federal judge’s ruling in November put into question the legality of his appointment to the post, based on established succession law.
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Pete Gaynor, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will replace him as acting secretary, Wolf wrote.
Wolf’s move follows last week’s attack on the Capitol by a group of Trump supporters, which resulted in five deaths. Transport Secretary Elaine Chao and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos also stepped down after the Capitol attack.