US: Trump's deputy national security adviser steps down

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

President Donald Trump's deputy national security advisor has resigned from her post, the White House confirmed Wednesday.

Nadia Schadlow's resignation comes amid a series of major foreign policy developments including a looming military action in Syria after a suspected chemical attack, and a forthcoming sit-down between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Schadlow, the deputy national security advisor for strategy, said she was "proud" to serve under former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster and the rest of his national security team in her resignation letter to the president.

She added that she is "happy to help" with the transition to John Bolton, McMaster's successor .

Her last day in office will be April 27, she said in the letter, which was tendered Tuesday -- the same day she discussed the transition with Bolton.

In a statement sent to Anadolu Agency White House spokesman Raj Shah said: "The Administration thanks Dr. Schadlow for her service and leadership in crafting the President’s ‘America First’ National Security Strategy."

"We wish Nadia and her family the best," he added.

Schadlow's departure is the third senior national security official to resign or be pushed out of the national security team since Bolton's appointment.

The National Security Council's chief spokesman, Michael Anton, resigned Sunday evening, and Trump's Homeland Security Advisor Tom Bossert departed on Tuesday amid Bolton's shake-up.

Further departures are expected as Bolton, who assumed his post Monday, develops his own team.