Wheelbarger resigns after being passed over for DOD intel job

Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Katie Wheelbarger has resigned from the Defense Department, less than a week after the White House withdrew her nomination to be deputy under secretary of defense for intelligence.

President Trump pulled Wheelbarger's nomination last week, instead selecting retired Army Special Forces officer Bradley Hansell for the job.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement he received Wheelbarger's resignation yesterday, noting she brought a "wealth of experience and the utmost professionalism" to DOD.

"Her leadership in support of the National Defense Strategy is evident in the proud accomplishments of her team," he said. "She is someone I got to know well over the last three years and, with sincere appreciation for her many contributions and years of service, I wish Katie the very best in what I'm sure will be a very bright future."

Politico reported in March that Wheelbarger's nomination was in trouble due to a perceived lack of loyalty to the president.

Meanwhile, Wheelbarger is the second senior DOD official to resign this week. On Wednesday, acting Pentagon Comptroller Elaine McCusker, who also had her nomination withdrawn by the president, announced she was leaving DOD.