Retired Admiral Who Criticized Trump in Op-Ed Resigns From Pentagon Board

The man in charge of the mission to kill Osama bin Laden, retired Adm. William "Bill" McRaven resigned from his post on the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Board last month just days after writing an op-ed that was published in the Washington Post in which he publicly criticized the president. 

"I can confirm that Admiral (Ret.) William H. McRaven resigned from the Defense Innovation Board, effective Aug. 20, 2018,” Heather Babb, a spokesperson for the Pentagon, told ABC News. "The department appreciates his service and contribution on the board."

According to a report from Defense News, the former head of Special Operations Command resigned just four days after he criticized the president for revoking the security clearance of former CIA Director, John Brennan. 

In the op-ed, which was published shortly after Brennan's clearance was revoked, McRaven wrote that he thought the former CIA Director was "one of the finest public servants" he'd "ever known." 

"Few Americans have done more to protect this country than John. He is a man of unparalleled integrity, whose honesty and character have never been in question, except by those who don’t know him," McRaven wrote in The Washington Post last month. "Therefore, I would consider it an honor if you would revoke my security clearance as well, so I can add my name to the list of men and women who have spoken up against your presidency."

"Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation," McRaven added.

The Defense Innovation Board is an independent advisory committee for the Pentagon to help advise them on issues concerning technology and innovation. 

Photo: Getty Images


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