US news outlets are reporting that Barack Obama has accepted the resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.
The Defense chief stepped down under pressure following the Democrats massive mid-term losses and the national security team’s failure to keep ahead of a series of global crises, the New York Times reports, citing senior administration officials.
A senior defense official told the Associated Press that Hagel submitted his resignation letter to Obama on Monday morning. The former senator from Nebraska agreed to remain in office until the Senate has confirmed his replacement, RT reports
The official added that both Hagel and Obama had”determined that it was time for new leadership in the Pentagon” following weeks of discussion.
Hagel first assumed his position of Defense Secretary in 2013.
It remains unclear who is slated to replace the outgoing defense chief.