U.S. President Barack Obama has asked Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to step down, making the first change to his cabinet after the Democrats' heavy loss in the midterm elections early this month, The New York Times reported Monday.
Obama made his decision last Friday after a series of meetings over the past two weeks, it said, quoting senior administration officials.
The White House said the president will make an announcement Monday morning. Hagel, a 68-year-old Republican, took office in February 2013. (Cihan/Xinhua)
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