Israel Hernandez, a senior adviser to Wilbur Ross, has left the Commerce Department. He resigned in December, according to a source with direct knowledge. Two other senior Commerce officials have left the department in the past month: Eric Branstad, Senior White House Advisor and White House Liaison Todd Abrajano.
Why it matters: Hernandez was a key figure — relied upon by congressional staff, K Street and others for help navigating the department. I don’t have a full picture, yet, or why he left. But a source close to the department said he’s a major loss.