Retired Admiral Resigns From Pentagon Advisory Board After Trump Critique

Retired Navy admiral who managed the raid which killed Osama bin Laden resigned from a Defense Department advisory board, days after criticizing President Donald Trump’s decision to revoke former CIA Director John Brennan’s security clearance. Multiple sources state that the President has yet to sign the official paperwork; however, his initial decision led to William H. McRaven to pen a fiery op-ed in the Washington Post. An excerpt of the piece reads:

Former CIA director John Brennan, whose security clearance you revoked on Wednesday, is one of the finest public servants I have ever known. Few Americans have done more to protect this country than John. He is a man of unparalleled integrity, whose honesty and character have never been in question, except by those who don’t know him.

Therefore, I would consider it an honor if you would revoke my security clearance as well, so I can add my name to the list of men and women who have spoken up against your presidency.

McRaven would continue, “If you think for a moment that your McCarthy-era tactics will suppress the voices of criticism, you are sadly mistaken. The criticism will continue until you become the leader we prayed you would be.”

The Associated Press received confirmation that McRaven resigned from his post on August 20th, four days after the piece appeared in the Washington Post.

McRaven was commander of the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command from 2011 to 2014 and oversaw the Navy Seal raid in Pakistan which killed bin Laden in 2011. Pentagon spokesperson Heather Babb confirmed the news in a statement to CNN:

I can confirm that Admiral (ret) William H. McRaven resigned from the Defense Innovation Board, effective August 20, 2018. The Department appreciates his service and contribution to the board.

The Defense Innovation Board serves as an independent committee to the Pentagon, specializing in issues related to technology and innovation. The full text of McRaven Washington Post’s op-ed can be seen below:

Dear Mr. President:

Former CIA director John Brennan, whose security clearance you revoked on Wednesday, is one of the finest public servants I have ever known. Few Americans have done more to protect this country than John. He is a man of unparalleled integrity, whose honesty and character have never been in question, except by those who don’t know him.

Therefore, I would consider it an honor if you would revoke my security clearance as well, so I can add my name to the list of men and women who have spoken up against your presidency.

Like most Americans, I had hoped that when you became president, you would rise to the occasion and become the leader this great nation needs.

A good leader tries to embody the best qualities of his or her organization. A good leader sets the example for others to follow. A good leader always puts the welfare of others before himself or herself.

Your leadership, however, has shown little of these qualities. Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation.

If you think for a moment that your McCarthy-era tactics will suppress the voices of criticism, you are sadly mistaken. The criticism will continue until you become the leader we prayed you would be.