Top Diplomat in Trump Admin Leaving State Dept

Adm. Alvin Holsey, the officer in charge of the U.S. Southern Command, which oversees operations in Central and South America, is stepping down from his position, despite the Pentagon’s swift deployment of approximately 10,000 troops in the region for what it describes as a significant counterdrug and counterterrorism initiative.

The reason for Admiral Holsey’s abrupt departure, occurring less than a year into a typically three-year tenure and amidst the most significant operation of his 37-year career, remains unexplained.

However, one current and one former U.S. official, both speaking anonymously on personnel issues, indicated that Admiral Holsey had expressed apprehensions about the mission and the assaults on the purported drug vessels.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth avoided mentioning any friction with his four-star commander.

“On behalf of the Department of War,” Hegseth said, adding, “We extend our deepest gratitude to Admiral Alvin Holsey for his more than 37 years of distinguished service to our nation as he plans to retire at year’s end.”

Some Pentagon officials said there were policy tensions concerning Venezuela that the admiral opposed and that misaligned with the Trump administration.