WASHINGTON: Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has resigned, US officials said on Monday, ending nearly two years in the Pentagon's top job after a bruising mid-term election that undermined President Barack Obama's Democrats in Congress.
Hagel, who had struggled to improve his ties with Congress after a contentious 2013 confirmation hearing, submitted his resignation letter after lengthy discussions with Obama that began in October, officials said.
President Barack Obama accepted Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's resignation, saying Hagel had approached him last month to say it was time for him to leave.
At a White House event in the State Dining Room, Obama and Vice President Joe Biden gave Hagel a warm sendoff.
He said Hagel will stay on until a successor is confirmed by the Senate. He said Hagel has been candid with his advice and counsel and has "always given it to me straight."
Top potential candidates to replace Hagel include Michele Flournoy, a former under secretary of defense, and Ashton Carter, a former deputy secretary of defense, who were rumoured to be contenders for Hagel's job before he was named. Senator Jack Reed, Democrat of Rhode Island, is another possible contender.
Statement by Hagel
In a statement issued on Monday, Hagel agreed to continue to serve as Secretary of Defense until his successor is confirmed by the United States Senate.
“…after much discussion, the President and I agreed that now was the right time for new leadership here at the Pentagon,” he added.
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Wish Pakistan could learn from models like the USA instead of just hating and criticising, even powerful position holders are accountable and is done according to constitution and not on the basis of 'might is right'.