Defense Department spokesman resigns

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department’s top spokesman, who had been under investigation since May over whether she mistreated employees, abruptly resigned Monday night within hours of the departure of Defense Secretary James Mattis.

Dana White said on Twitter: “I appreciate the opportunity afforded to me by this administration to serve alongside Secretary Mattis, our service members and all the civilians who support them. It has been my honor and privilege. Stay safe and God bless.”

On Tuesday, a Defense Department spokesman confirmed that White had resigned from her position as assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs.

Charles Summers Jr. replaced White, becoming “acting” assistant to the defense secretary, according to the Pentagon.

It is not clear whether White’s departure was related to reports of an investigation by the inspector general to determine whether she mistreated staff members or retaliated against them after they raised concerns.

At least five staff members had been abruptly transferred or removed from their jobs since White took over in April 2017.

The investigation focused in part on how staff members carried out personal tasks for her, such as retrieving her dry cleaning, getting her lunch and driving her to work during a snowstorm.

The Pentagon’s media operations office did not respond Tuesday to emailed questions about the status of the investigation.