There's yet another staffing change at the Department of Homeland Security.
Transportation Security Administration chief David Pekoske will now serve as deputy DHS secretary on a temporary basis, the department announced Thursday.
It's part of a shakeup at DHS that started with former secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announcing her resignation on Sunday.
Two days later, Nielsen's acting deputy secretary, Claire Grady, said she'd be resigning. That led to Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, filling Grady's spot.
In addition to that, Secret Service Director Randolph "Tex" Allesis also stepping down. And last week, President Donald Trump announced he was withdrawing his nominee to head up ICE, Ron Vitiello. Vitiello was the acting director of ICE, but he's since said he's leaving his current position.
The turnover comes as Trump administration officials deal with what they call an immigration "crisis" at the U.S.-Mexico border. But President Trump has defended the leadership changes at the department.
"Well, I never said I'm cleaning house. I don't know who came up with that expression. We have a lot of great people over there," he said.
President Trump hasn't said who he'll tap to fill DHS's top two roles permanently.
Media outlets are also reporting that two other agency officials are rumored to be leaving.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
