By Chris Sommerfeldt / New York Daily News
Claire Grady, the second in command at the Department of Homeland Security, followed the lead of outgoing Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and resigned Tuesday as part of an agency-wide staffing shakeup.
The resignation comes after President Donald Trump tapped Customs and Border Patrol Director Kevin McAleenan to temporarily take over for Nielsen — who announced her resignation Sunday — even though Grady was the rightful person for the post, according to internal protocols.
“For the last two years, Claire has served DHS with excellence and distinction,” Nielsen said in a tweet announcing Grady’s resignation. “She has been an invaluable asset to DHS — a steady force and a knowledgeable voice.”
Nielsen and Grady have their last day at DHS on Wednesday.
Grady’s exit comes after members of Congress accused Trump of bypassing protocol by tapping McAleenan to take over as acting secretary in light of Nielsen’s ouster.
In a letter to the White House on Monday, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., stressed the “the law of succession” stipulated that Grady, as the department’s undersecretary for management, should take over Nielsen’s duties until Congress confirms a permanent replacement.
Grady’s resignation appears to clear the path for McAleenan to take over, as Trump requested.
A White House spokesman did not return a request for comment late Tuesday.
Nielsen’s ouster came after Trump spent months putting pressure on her to crack down on legal and illegal immigration at the U.S. southern border, according to reports.
The secretary enforced Trump’s controversial “zero-tolerance” policy, which resulted in thousands of migrant children being ripped from their loved ones after crossing the border, but Trump was reportedly still not pleased with her performance and had recently signaled he wanted someone in charge of immigration enforcement who will take a more aggressive approach.
Days before Nielsen’s exit, Trump pulled his nominee to lead the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, saying he wanted to go in a “tougher direction.”
Shortly after Nielsen’s announcement, the head of the U.S. Secret Service announced he was stepping down as well.
Secret Service, as well as ICE and CBP, fall under Homeland Security’s purview.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
