State Department’s top diplomat for European affairs resigns – Politico

Foreign Policy

Wess Mitchell’s portfolio includes Russia, a sensitive issue given ongoing investigations into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow in 2016.

Wess Mitchell, the State Department’s top diplomat for European affairs, is stepping down from his post, a person familiar with the issue confirmed to POLITICO.

Mitchell’s portfolio at the State Department includes dealing with Russia, a particularly sensitive issue given ongoing investigations into whether President Donald Trump’s campaigned colluded with Moscow during the 2016 presidential campaign.

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The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Washington Post first reported the news of Mitchell’s departure. The Post, citing a resignation letter Mitchell sent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, wrote that Mitchell said he was leaving for personal and professional reasons and that Feb. 15 will be his last day.

Mitchell, whose official title is assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasian affairs, told the Post in an interview that he was not resigning out of protest to Trump’s policies, which have included questioning the value of international alliances such as NATO.

“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.