Day after Defense Secretary fired, senior Pentagon politician resigns

James Anderson was the Acting Under Secretary for Policy

James Anderson, the acting Under Secretary for Policy, considered one of the most important Pentagon officials, has left the Department of Defense.

A defense official confirmed that Anderson resigned on Tuesday and confirmed the contents of his resignation letter released by Politico.

A former defense official told ABC News that Anderson was asked to submit a resignation letter, which essentially means he was fired. The Pentagon does not publish the letter.

Anderson had been acting chief policy officer since February, when John Rood was sacked by the Trump administration over political disagreements.

The Pentagon does not confirm who will be Anderson’s successor.

Anderson’s departure follows President Donald Trump’s decision to fire Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on Monday.

This is news in development. Please come back for updates.