Resignation of DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao

Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao resigned effective Monday, January 11. The announcement of her resignation came January 7, just one day after the Capitol Building was stormed as lawmakers were inside certifying the presidential election results.

Chao tweeted her resignation saying, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the U.S. Department of Transportation.” She attached a copy of her resignation letter, which stated:

Dear Department of Transportation colleagues:

 

Yesterday, our country experienced a traumatic and entirely avoidable event as supporters of the President stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed. 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.

 

Today, I am announcing my resignation as U.S. 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 one of you,

 

Sincerely,

Elaine

Chao served just days under four-years as Transportation Secretary under President Trump. She had previously served as Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush, as Director of the Peace Corps and Deputy Secretary of Transportation under President George H. W. Bush, and in top Federal Maritime Commission positions under President Ronald Reagan. Chao was also a keynote speaker at the 2019 NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting.