Secretary of State Colin Powell submitted his letter of resignation to President Bush Friday, top aids told The Associated Press Monday.
One official said Powell plans to leave his position in January. But Powell has not said if he will leave before or after the president’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
Powell’s resignation is one of a handful of resignations expected in the Bush administration, including the secretaries of agriculture, energy and education.
“I do expect some announcements shortly regarding members of the Cabinet,” White House press secretary Scott McClellan told reporters at the White House Monday morning. “There are a few resignations. I expect four today.”
Speculation on replacements for the secretary of state position has circled around U.N. Ambassador John Danforth, a Republican and former U.S. senator from Missouri, as well as National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.
As news of Powell’s resignation spreads across America, he continues to fulfill his duties. Powell is scheduled to visit with Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom Monday.
