George David Banks, a senior official on the National Economic Council, resigned after being told he would not qualify for full security clearance, Politico is reporting.
Banks became the third White House official to depart in recent days, the website noted. Staff Secretary Rob Porter quit last Wednesday after allegations he abused his two former wives. Speechwriter David Sorensen left on Friday over domestic abuse allegations. Both men deny the allegations.
Banks told Politico he was informed his application for a permanent clearance would not be approved because of his past use of marijuana. Politico reported he had admitted to smoking marijuana in 2013.
"It was an honor to serve the president at the White House and I look forward to supporting the president in the future," he said.
Banks, a special assistant to the president for international energy and environmental policy, had been the administration’s lead policy expert on the Paris climate change agreement.
One White House official said Banks was a victim of the fallout from the Porter controversy.
"The whole thing is just demoralizing,” the official said. "I think a lot of us are scratching our heads."
And the Hill noted the White House is facing questions about who is granted clearance after the Porter controversy. Porter had an interim security clearance during his tenure.
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