WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump firing Vice Admiral Shoshana S. Chatfield, U.S. Navy, as the United States Military Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Military Committee.

“Yet again, President Trump has fired a military officer serving in a role that is critical to maintaining U.S. national security and national defense with no explanation given for the person’s removal. This time it is Vice Admiral Chatfield, whose role as the U.S. military representative to NATO is key to our ability to work with allies and partners in the face of interconnected threats and challenges coming from China and Russia, and to a lesser extent Iran. The lack of information regarding VADM Chatfield’s removal is unacceptable, as is the apparent lack of planning for her successor. Yet again, our country is less safe because of President Trump’s actions." 

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