by Saying “I feel like I’ve done what I came to do,” Wess Mitchell, the premier diplomat for European affairs, has decided to resign his post.
U.S. Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell visits Memorial to the Fallen Soldiers and heavenly Hundred Memorial, Kyiv, November 15, 2017.
First reported by the Washington Post, Mitchell sent his resignation letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, stating that as of February 15 he will no longer serve as assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasian affairs, his official title. In this capacity his portfolio included Russia, which has been a sensitive issue for the White House since special investigator Robert Mueller has been exploring whether President Trump’s presidential campaign colluded with Russia during the 2016 run for president.
Mitchell explained to the Washington Post in an interview that his resignation should not be interpreted as a protest of Trump’s policies. Among many of Trump’s controversial policies has been the questioning of NATO and other crucial European alliances.
“I feel like I’ve done what I came in to do. My kids have a greater claim to my time right now than the public does,” he told the Post.