After US Capitol Riot, Trump Administration Collapse Accelerates... Cabinet Members Resign One After Another

Elaine Chao Resigns as Transportation Secretary, Followed by Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary
President Trump Faces Efforts for Removal from Office

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Following the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump, key cabinet members and aides have been resigning one after another. With just a few days left before the regime change, the collapse of the administration is becoming a reality as cabinet members resign in succession.

On the 7th (local time), Elaine Chao, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, tendered her resignation. According to U.S. media, Secretary Chao referred to the Capitol riot, calling it "extremely shocking and entirely preventable," and stated, "I will assist my successor, Pete Buttigieg."

Elaine Chao, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, speaking at the Cabinet meeting
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Secretary Chao's resignation drew attention as the first among cabinet members. Moreover, she is the wife of Mitch McConnell, the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, and one of the cabinet members who served throughout President Trump's term.

Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Education, also announced her resignation. Secretary DeVos officially raised President Trump's responsibility regarding the Capitol riot. She said, "I believe this was a highly immoral act on a national level, and it is certain that the exaggerated statements so far influenced this situation," adding, "This became a turning point in my decision."

At the White House, Matthew Pottinger, Deputy National Security Advisor, Stephanie Grisham, former White House Press Secretary and current First Lady's Chief of Staff, and Ryan Tully, Senior Director for Europe and Russia at the National Security Council, have all resigned. Mick Mulvaney, former White House Chief of Staff and Special Envoy for Northern Ireland, has also expressed his resignation in a broadcast interview.

Although cabinet members are resigning one after another, voices are emerging that those related to diplomacy and security should rather stay. If the heads step down amid the current chaotic situation, the crisis could worsen. This applies to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, and National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien.

Resignation expressed by Betsy DeVos, U.S. Secretary of Education [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

In addition, efforts to remove President Trump from office are intensifying.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have jointly pressured Vice President Mike Pence to suspend President Trump's duties.

Speaker Pelosi referred to the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, stating, "If the Vice President and cabinet members do not take action, we will pursue impeachment in Congress. This is the overwhelming opinion of the Democratic leadership and the American people." The 25th Amendment includes a provision that allows the Vice President, with the majority of the cabinet, to suspend the President's duties if the President is deemed unable to perform them. They are urging Vice President Pence and the cabinet to immediately invoke this provision to suspend President Trump's duties and have Vice President Pence serve as Acting President.

However, Vice President Pence is reportedly cautious about invoking the 25th Amendment. With little time left in the term, he is hesitant, fearing it could exacerbate security instability.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.