Nandita Bose

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. Vice Presidential Kamala Harris has announced that Nancy McEldowney, the National Security Adviser for America, is stepping down and her replacement will be Philip Gordon. This was according to an internal memo which Reuters obtained from Reuters.

Both McEldowney and Gordon have worked for Harris since she took office and have advised the vice president and President Joe Biden on topics such as Afghanistan, Iran, Ukraine, and cybersecurity.

The couple accompanied Harris to several countries in Central America, Asia, Europe and Europe and played an important role in shaping Harris’ strategy.

McEldowney stated in a memo to her staff that she was stepping down “to focus on some pressing personal issues” but would still be an avid advocate for Harris’s administration.  

It was hard because I feel so strongly about the work we do, and what the national interest is we serve. She said that she made the best decision for her family after taking this decision over a period of more than one year. Although she noted that she isn’t “rushing out of the door”, the exact date was not yet known.

According to a senior official in the administration, no exact date has yet been established but is expected to take place by the end of this month.

McEldowney spent 31 years as a U.S. diplomat. She has served in a variety of roles, including that of ambassador to Bulgaria and chief deputy mission in Azerbaijan.

Gordon is a former Clinton and Obama administration veteran and serves currently as special assistant to President Obama and deputy national security advisor to Vice President Clinton. He has been involved in all interagency policy discussions, foreign leader meetings and trips, a senior administration official said.

McEldowney’s exit comes at a crucial time for Harris. Harris played an integral role in rallying Western countries to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Harris also finds herself increasingly in the middle high-stakes diplomacy among leaders from around the globe.

Harris’ communications team also experienced several exits, including a string of highly publicized departures. This follows a troubled first year that was marred by many messaging failures.

Harris said in a statement to Reuters McEldowney had given her “invaluable guidance” and that she was thankful for her “service – her extraordinary talent, deep expertise and leadership in navigating complex problems.”

Harris claimed that Gordon is a respected adviser and has been since her election and she brings an abundance of knowledge and experience in foreign policy to the position.

Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Adviser to Reuters said that McEldowney was a “great friend” since he took office. He has also helped plan and execute policy around the world with precision and devotion. Sullivan stated that he knows Gordon well and has had a close working relationship with him.

Harris made other national security changes. Dean Lieberman was appointed in February to her office as her special advisor on national security. He also became her speechwriter for foreign policy.

He previously served as the White House National Security Council’s Strategic Communications Director.