California Rep. Devin Nunes has announced that he is leaving Congress before the end of his term to join former President Donald Trump's new media company.
Nunes said in a letter to his constituents that he will be leaving at the end of 2021, prior to the 2022 midterms.
“Recently, I was presented with a new opportunity to fight for the most important issues I believe in. I’m writing to let you know I’ve decided to pursue this opportunity, and therefore I will be leaving the House of Representatives at the end of 2021,” Nunes said in the letter.
“Rest assured, I have not, by any means, given up our collective fight—I’ll just be pursuing it through other means,” he continued. NEW: Rep. Devin Nunes letter to his constituents announcing his retirement from Congress.
Of note- this email says he will retire at the end of this year, not wait until his term ends in 2022.
@JakeSherman reported his retirement first. pic.twitter.com/HgSS5yDqFh
— Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) December 6, 2021
As Nunes announced his resignation, the Trump Media & Technology Group released a statement saying Nunes would be the company's chief executive officer.
The ten term congressman has been a key ally for Trump over the years.
Nunes was on track to become the chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee if Republicans won back the House in 2022.
House GOP conference chair Rep. Elise Stefanik congratulated Nunes on Twitter, writing, "Devin had a spine of steel and an unyielding commitment to fighting for the truth and the Constitution as Chairman and Republican Leader of the House Intelligence Committee. America is forever grateful."
President Trump awarded Nunes the Medal of Freedom in January."Congressman Nunes pursued the Russia Hoax at great personal risk and never stopped standing up for the truth. He had the fortitude to take on the media, the FBI, the Intelligence Community, the Democrat Party, foreign spies, and the full power of the Deep State. Devin paid a price for his courage," the Trump White House said in a statement at the time. "The media smeared him and liberal activists opened a frivolous and unjustified ethics investigation, dragging his name through the mud for eight long months. Two dozen members of his family received threatening phone calls – including his 98 year old grandmother."
The statement added, "Congressman Devin Nunes is a public servant of unmatched talent, unassailable integrity, and unwavering resolve. He uncovered the greatest scandal in American history."
