Chuck Hagel has resigned after serving nearly two years as U.S. defense secretary.
President Obama spoke about Hagel's resignation this morning and said he'll continue to guide troops until a successor is named.
The New York Times reports he is leaving his post under pressure. Hagel is the only Republican on Obama’s national security team.
He had been brought on to the team to oversee military withdrawal in Afghanistan and management of the Pentagon's budget.
During today's news conference, the President thanked Hagel on a personal level.
"You've always given it to me straight," and for that he is grateful, Obama said to him.
In Hagel's response, he thanked President Obama for the opportunity and said he'll continue to support him.
"I want to thank the entire leadership team at the Pentagon," Hagel also said. "It's a team; it's all these tremendous men and women ... that make this happen."
"We have prepared ourselves, as the President has noted, our allies, and Afhgan national security forces for successful transition in Afghanistan," he said. "We bolstered alliances."
