Trump Ousts Pentagon Policy Chief Linked to Ukraine-Aid Saga
- Rood’s letter says Trump asked Esper for his resignation
- Some officials said Rood was slowing Trump’s policy plans
John Rood
Photographer: EJ Hersom/U.S. Department of Defense
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A top Defense Department official who advised against cutting off U.S. military aid to Ukraine has resigned after President Donald Trump asked for his departure.
John Rood, the under secretary of defense for policy, said in a letter to the president dated Wednesday that he’ll step down Feb. 28 “as you requested.” Rood, who had been in his post since January 2018, didn’t say why the president sought his ouster.