Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Steps Down

Today at the White House, President Obama announced he’s accepted the resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. But, despite words of mutual respect and admiration, it appears that policy differences between the White House and the Pentagon forced Hagel to step down.

Those spoken of as most likely to replace Hagel are former Undersecretary of Defense Michèle Flournoy; former Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter; and Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed.

Julian Barnes covers the Pentagon for the Wall Street Journal.