U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, the former Texas governor who has faced scrutiny over Donald Trump’s interactions with Ukraine, is resigning.
Perry reportedly informed the President, as the two flew together to Texas, where Trump is holding several events, including a political rally in Dallas. The president confirmed the news while traveling in the state.
"He’s done a phenomenal job," Trump told supporters at the rally. "He’s going to be leaving at the end of the year."
Trump said earlier Thursday that he had a replacement in mind for the job would announce that person soon.
In a resignation letter released by the Department of Energy late Thursday, Perry touted U.S. energy independence – hitting a common refrain raised by Trump.
A member of Trump"s original Cabinet, Perry has come under scrutiny amid the ongoing impeachment inquiry into whether Trump abused his office by pressuring Ukraine to help to dig up dirt on Joe Biden, one of his top political rivals.