Washington: US President Trump on Sunday announced the departure of Homeland Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, underscoring his intent to toughen immigration policy amid a surge in illegal crossings along the southern border. Nielsen’s exit marks the end of a difficult relationship with boss, who was said to be unhappy with her performance despite her unswerving loyalty and full-throated defence of the President’s most controversial policies.
During 18 months at the helm of the powerful agency, the 46-year-old became synonymous with the controversial practice of separating children from parents, making her a frequent target of progressive groups and the Democratic opposition who repeatedly called on her to resign. None of this, however, seems to have been enough for Trump. “Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen will be leaving her position, and I would like to thank her for her service,” Trump tweeted.
