United States President Barack Obama announced in a press conference that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will step down from his post once his successor is named.
Obama made the surprising announcement amid criticism of the country's national security policies and stand on recent global issues, including the recent threats from Islamic militant group known as ISIS.
During the press conference at the White House, Obama hailed Hagel for being an "exemplary" Defense Secretary since he was appointed in February 2013, saying that the decision was not easy for the 68-year-old officer.
"If there's one thing I know about Chuck it is that he does not make this or any decision lightly," Obama said, CNN reported. "This decision does not come easily to him."
A senior administration official told NBC News that Obama was not surprised by Hagel's decision, pointing out that the Defense Secretary has been talking to the President about it over the past several weeks.
"Over nearly two years, Secretary Hagel has been a steady hand, guiding our military through this transition, and helping us respond to challenges from ISIL to Ebola," the official said. "In October, Secretary Hagel began speaking with the President about departing the Administration given the natural post-midterms transition time."
CNN reported, though, that Hagel was forced by Obama to step down, while Arizona Republican Senator John McCain said that the Defense Secretary told him about his frustration over the country's lack of action against ISIS.
"I know that Chuck was frustrated with aspects of the Administration's national security policy and decision-making process," McCain said. "His predecessors have spoken about the excessive micro-management they faced from the White House and how that made it more difficult to do their jobs successfully. Chuck's situation was no different."
Hagel's successor will be named on short notice with sources indicating that former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy and former Deputy Secretary of Defense Ash Carter are strongly being considered for the post.
