US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is Out, amid Pressure from White House

Aimee Herd : Nov 24, 2014
NY Times, Fox News

Hagel served in the Vietnam War and received two Purple Hearts.

(Washington, DC)—According to a NY Times report, the US Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel stepped down on Monday; following a request for his resignation made by President Obama on Friday. (Photo via Fox News)

Monday's actions are apparently the culmination of a series of meetings with the administration's national security team.

Hagel reportedly took office as Defense Secretary in February of 2013, and is expected to remain in office until his successor is confirmed, according to a Fox News report.

An administration official noted that Hagel and the president had been discussing the idea of Hagel's resignation for a few weeks and that they "determined that it was time for new leadership in the Pentagon."