Elaine Duke, the deputy secretary of Homeland Security and a former acting secretary of DHS, will retire in April.

DHS Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen said: "Elaine has selflessly served the federal government for three decades, and this Department for more than 10 years spanning multiple Secretaries. Since taking office, she has been instrumental in helping the Department address emerging threats and in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the 2017 hurricane season. The Department greatly benefited from her expert knowledge and understanding of DHS issues – particularly with respect to procurement, personnel and management. I wish Elaine and her family all the best in her retirement, and I look forward to her remaining an active supporter of you, the men and women of DHS.”

Deputy Secretary Duke was confirmed by the Senate on April 4, 2017 and sworn in as the seventh Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security on April 8, 2017.  She served as the Acting Secretary from July 31, 2017 to December 6, 2017.