Trump's outgoing national intelligence deputy wishes him 'Godspeed' in a short letter on her resignation

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Trump's outgoing national intelligence deputy wishes him 'Godspeed' in a short letter on her resignation

sue gordon

Office of the Director of National Intelligence via AP

Deputy national intelligence director Sue Gordon.

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  • Sue Gordon, deputy director of US national intelligence, wrote to President Donald Trump in her resignation letter on Thursday that he was entitled to his own staff and signed it "Godspeed."
  • "Mr. President," Gordon wrote in a short note attached to her official resignation letter, "I offer this letter as an act of respect & patriotism, not preference. You should have your team."
  • Gordon's letter was sent to reporters by the White House on Thursday evening, amid some suggestions that she was ousted for holding opposing views.
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Sue Gordon, deputy director of US national intelligence, wrote to President Donald Trump in her resignation letter on Thursday that he was entitled to his own staff and signed it "Godspeed."

"Mr. President," Gordon wrote in a short note attached to her official resignation letter, "I offer this letter as an act of respect & patriotism, not preference. You should have your team."

Gordon's letter was sent to reporters by the White House on Thursday evening, amid some suggestions that she was ousted for holding opposing views.

Gordon worked for the CIA for over 25 years prior to becoming the Office of the Director of National Intelligence's second-in-command.

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Read more: Trump picks another national intelligence chief after the agency's deputy abruptly resigns

In her resignation letter, Gordon said it was "an honor" to serve in the department and that she was "confident" in what it "is posed to do going forward."

"I have seen it in action first-hand for more than 30 years," Gordon wrote. "Know that our people are our strength, and they will never fail you or the Nation. You are in good hands."

Gordon was previously expected to replace director Dan Coats in an acting capacity. Coats submitted his own resignation in late July, after his national security stance against Russia was reportedly at odds with Trump and his staff. At least one former senior intelligence official claimed the director felt the relationship was no longer tenable.

Gordon's last day for the department will be on August 15, the same day as Coats'.

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Following Gordon's announcement, Trump announced he selected National Counterterrorism Center director Joseph Maguire for acting DNI.

"Admiral Maguire has a long and distinguished career in the military," Trump said on Twitter, referring to his military service in the Navy. "He commanded at every level, including the Naval Special Warfare Command. He has also served as a National Security Fellow at Harvard University. I have no doubt he will do a great job!"

The decision comes one week after Trump scrapped his decision to nominate Republican Rep. John Ratcliffe of Texas. Ratcliffe, a staunch Trump loyalist, faced intense scrutiny for his lack of experience in the intelligence community and possibly embellishing his record as a prosecutor.

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