Outgoing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said Monday she continues to support President Donald Trump's goal of securing the nation's border and will continue to support all efforts "to address the humanitarian and security crisis" there.
"I don't have any new announcements," she told reporters gathered outside her home in Alexandria, Va. at about noon Monday, one day after she turned in her resignation to the White House. "I just want to thank the president again for the tremendous opportunity to serve this country."
She did not address reports that she was forced out because she resisted plans to implement a large-scale policy of separating immigrant families, or any other speculation on her resignation, but instead said she is "forever grateful and proud" of the people in the Department of Homeland Security "who work so hard every day to execute their missions and protect the homeland."
"I really look forward to continuing to support them from the outside," said Nielsen, adding that she's spent the past 24 hours since her resignation speaking with government and administration officials, along with members of Congress, to ensure a smooth transition.
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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