At Least Four White House Officials Resign After Capitol Breach With More Expected

The Trump administration faced a string of resignations on Wednesday after supporters of the president stormed the U.S. Capitol as lawmakers attempted to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.

Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Pottinger resigned Wednesday afternoon, while National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, at times one of Trump’s most vocal defenders in the administration, as well as deputy chief of staff Chris Liddell, are considering resigning, according to CNN and Bloomberg. Stephanie Grisham, First Lady Melania Trump’s chief of staff and President Trump’s former press secretary, resigned according to CNN, which reported she is “very close” with the first lady but had previously considered leaving multiple times. Grisham was followed by White House social secretary Rickie Niceta, who resigned in reaction to the Capitol beach, according to ABC News and CBS News. “As someone who worked in the halls of Congress I was deeply disturbed by what I saw today,” White House deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews said in a statement announcing her resignation, adding, “Our nation needs a peaceful peaceful transfer of power.” Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell – who spoke forcefully in favor of certifying the election and denounced Trump’s “sweeping conspiracy theories” – is also considering resigning, according to NBC News, though Axios’ Jonathan Swan suggested her resignation is not imminent.

25th. That’s the amendment dozens of Democrats in Congress are calling on Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke, which would remove Trump from office if two-thirds voted in favor. Some Cabinet secretaries are discussing removing Trump, according to CBS News and CNN.

What To Watch For

New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman tweeted that “more resignations are expected in the next 24 hours,” citing an anonymous source close to President Trump.