Defense Under Secretary for Policy John Rood submitted his resignation on Wednesday at the request of President Donald Trump, after reportedly facing pressure from administration officials who expressed concern over his ability to carry out the president's agenda.

Rood is the official who initially told Congress in May 2019 that Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts were sufficient for the Pentagon to release $250 million in military aid earmarked for the country. The Trump administration's temporary hold on releasing the aid became the central focus of House Democrats' failed impeachment efforts against the president.

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Bloomberg News reported Rood held a top position in the Pentagon and "faced pressure to resign" after "some senior national security officials had lost confidence in Rood's ability to carry out Trump's agenda."

In his resignation letter to President Trump, Rood wrote, "It is my understanding from Secretary [Mark] Esper that you requested my resignation from serving as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. I leave with the utmost admiration for the outstanding team with which I worked at the Defense Department."

According to CBS News, Sec. Esper issued a statement on Rood's departure, saying he "played a critical role on a wide range" of issues. Esper added, "I wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

President Trump offered his farewell to Rood on Twitter, saying, "I would like to thank John Rood for his service to our Country, and wish him well in his future endeavors!"



Deputy Under Secretary James Anderson will replace Rood in an interim capacity until a permanent replacement is found for the role, Bloomberg News reported.

Prior to serving in the Pentagon, Rood held positions at several government agencies including the State Department, National Security Council, Defense Department, and Central Intelligence Agency. He is also a former senior vice president of Lockheed Martin and a former vice president of Raytheon.