Three departures in recent days have created a leadership vacuum atop the NSC beside John Bolton, whose hawkish foreign-policy views have caused concern among some officials. | Charles Dharapak/AP Photo Deputy national security adviser resigns as Bolton takes over

The White House's deputy national security adviser for strategy has resigned, the third senior National Security Council official to announce exit plans since John Bolton took the helm, a spokesman confirmed Wednesday.

In a letter sent to the president on Tuesday and obtained by POLITICO, Nadia Schadlow said she is stepping down from the NSC effective April 27, saying she would "help with the transition" of Bolton, who started Monday as President Donald Trump's national security adviser.


“The Administration thanks Dr. Schadlow for her service and leadership in crafting the President’s ‘America First’ National Security Strategy," White House spokesman Raj Shah said in a statement. "The strategy has set a strong foundation going forward for protecting the homeland, promoting American prosperity, preserving peace through strength and advancing American influence. We wish Nadia and her family the best.”

Schadlow is the third senior official from the NSC to resign or be forced out in recent days. Tom Bossert, the homeland security adviser and a leading voice on counterterrorism and cybersecurity efforts in the Trump administration, announced his resignation on Tuesday.

Over the weekend, the agency's spokesperson, Michael Anton, announced plans to leave the administration.

The departures create a leadership vacuum atop the NSC beside Bolton, whose hawkish foreign-policy views have caused concern among some officials.

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Schadlow wrote that she was "proud" to have worked under Bolton's predecessor, three-star Army Gen. H.R. McMaster. She said her departure would allow the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to name "his own leadership team."

"Together, we captured your vision for a strong and confident American and developed your America First National Security Strategy — which turned that vision into a strategic direction for your administration," Schadlow wrote.

Nancy Cook contributed to this report.

