US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has resigned from her role following Trump’s response to the riots at the Capitol Building.
On Wednesday, pro-Trump supporters breached the US Capitol in an attempt to prevent lawmakers finalizing the Presidential handover to Joe Biden.
Trump had encouraged supporters to fight against the election results, which he claims were fraudulent.
“It’s up to Congress to confront the egregious assault on our democracy and after this we’re gonna walk down and I’ll be there with you,” Trump said prior to the riots on Wednesday.
“We’re gonna walk down to the Capitol.”
Although Trump later called for peace, he only told protesters to go home hours after the Capitol was breached.
Chao, who is married to Senator Mitch McConnell, condemned the riots and opposed Trump’s demands that the election be overturned in his favour.
“Yesterday, our country experienced a traumatic and entirely avoidable event as supporters of the President stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed,” Chao said in a statement.
“As I’m sure is the case with many of you, it has deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside.”
“I am tremendously proud of the many accomplishments we were able to achieve together for our country and I will never forget the commitment you have for this Department and the United States of America.”
“I am hopeful that many of you will carry forward our vision to improve the lives of Americans through this Department and beyond.”
Her final paragraph revealed that she will step down from her position.
“Today, I am announcing my resignation as US Secretary of Transportation, to take effect on Monday, January 11, 2020. We will help my announced successor, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, with taking on the responsibility of running this wonderful department. With all good wishes to each on of you.”
Last month, Trump campaign lawyer Sidney Powell has shared a racist slur about Chao, stating that McConnell was “married to China.”
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the U.S. Department of Transportation. pic.twitter.com/rFxPsBoh6t
— Sec. Elaine Chao (@SecElaineChao) January 7, 2021
