Embattled US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has announced his resignation. But he has not given a reason for his sudden departure. The move ends months of questions about his competence and accusations from the Congress that he politicized the office to benefit President George W. Bush.
Gonzales announced he will resign as Attorney General next month. He thanked President George W. Bush for his friendship, saying despite his own troubles, he considers it a great privilege to have led the Justice Department.
Gonzales said, "I met with President Bush and informed him of my decision to conclude my government service as attorney general of the US, effective as of September 17th, 2007."
Meanwhile Bush lashed out at Gonzales' critics. The president has stood by his friend and finally accepted his resignation over the weekend.
Bush said, "After months of unfair treatment, Judge Gonzales decided to resign his position and I accept his decision. It is sad that we live in a time when a talented and honorable person, like Alberto Gonzales is impeded from doing important work because his good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons."
Bush leaves Washington next Monday for Australia, and Gonzales' replacement might not be named by then. The government says Solicitor General Paul Clement will be acting Attorney General until a replacement is found.
Gonzales worked for Bush when he was governor of Texas in the 1990s. He served as White House lawyer in Bush's first presidential term before becoming the first Hispanic attorney general in 2005.
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