US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper has announced he has submitted his resignation. Clapper said last year that he would step down at the end of President Barack Obama’s final term in office.
In his resignation letter, Clapper said that his more than 50 years of service was enough.
“I submitted my letter of resignation last night which felt pretty good. I’ve got 64 days left,” Clapper said during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Thursday.
Clapper’s resignation comes as the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump begins discussions on cabinet appointments.
Clapper was sworn in as the fourth Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in August 2010.
During his tenure as director he has often been required to defend the position of the National Security Agency (NSA).
The agency’s image was badly damaged after whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed how its programs spied on American citizens.
