Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao Resigns After Pro-Trump Riots
Following pro-Trump mob attacks on the United States Capitol Building Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao resigned in a letter to her employees effective Monday, January 11.
Chao’s resignation is a protest against President Donald Trump and his rally. The rally took place before the United States Senate began the process of certifying the Electoral College’s votes affirming Former Vice-President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris as the new President-elect and Vice-President-elect.
After Trump failed to calm and quell the mob, his cabinet and allies face mounting pressure for action against the President. While the United States House of Representatives is in the beginnings of impeachment proceedings, Vice-President Mike Pence and members of the cabinet can also choose to remove Trump from office.
In a statement on Twitter, Chao writes, “I am tremendously proud of the many accomplishments we were able to achieve together for our country, and I will forever be grateful for the hardworking men and women of this Department.”
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the U.S. Department of Transportation. pic.twitter.com/rFxPsBoh6t
— Sec. Elaine Chao (@SecElaineChao) January 7, 2021
The resignation comes as Congress and the public urge members of Trump’s cabinet to enact the 25th Amendment. If enacted, Pence would become President of the United States until Biden is sworn in on January 20. This would absolve Trump from all duties as president.
Elaine Chao’s resignation from the Cabinet likely means there isn’t enough support among Trump’s cabinet officials to remove him under the 25th Amendment. Otherwise, she would have stayed to complete the majority.
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️🌈 (@cmclymer) January 7, 2021
The exit would prevent Chao from voting on enacting the 25th Amendment. The Consitution requires approval from a majority of cabinet leaders but she could vote before Monday morning if there was a call for a vote.
Elaine Chao shows how a cabinet member can avoid having to make a decision on the 25th amendment: it’s not a resignation it’s a desertion.
— Philip Gourevitch (@PGourevitch) January 7, 2021
Chao has served as Transportation Secretary since January 31, 2017. She previously served as the Secretary of Labor during George W. Bush’s presidency.
Her husband, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, was part of the group evacuated from the Senate Chamber to an undisclosed location for safety after armed rioters entered the Capitol Building.
Chao informed employees her office will continue to work with Transportation secretary-designate Pete Buttigieg as he prepares to take over once confirmed by the Senate to ensure a smooth transition.
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