The Bush administration announced Monday that its terrorism and homeland security adviser, Fran Townsend, is resigning.
The Bush administration announced Monday that its terrorism and homeland security adviser, Fran Townsend, is resigning.
By: Pete Murphy
Nov 19, 2007 17:45 PM GMT
Fran Townsend is resigning as terrorism and homeland security adviser after 4 1/2 years with the Bush administration.
"Fran always has provided wise counsel on how best to protect the American people from the threat of terrorism," President Bush said in a brief statement. "She has been a steady leader in the effort to prevent and disrupt attacks and to better respond to natural disasters."
He also praised Townsend, whom he said, "has ably guided the Homeland Security Council" and had "played an integral role in the formation of the key strategies and policies my administration has used to combat terror and protect Americans."
In a handwritten letter, Townsend, 45, said she was returning to the private sector. "As you know, it is with a profound sense of gratitude that I have decided to take a respite from public service," the former assistant U.S. attorney said.
Her departure is the latest in the continued exodus from the Bush administration. Earlier this year, the president's top political adviser Karl Rove resigned along with press secretary Tony Snow, senior presidential adviser Dan Bartlett, and long-time confidante Karen Hughes, the State Department's under secretary for public diplomacy.
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