White House staffer resigns over background check issues

George David Banks, a top White House adviser on international energy issues resigned this week, according to an administration source.

Why it matters: His resignation centers on not getting full security clearance, according to Politico, which was first to report the news. Banks, the Trump administration’s lead on climate change issues, told Politico he was informed he couldn't get clearance due to past marijuana use. He led a delegation to Bonn, Germany, last year for a climate conference hosted by the United Nations. He was among a few in the administration who tried to get President Trump to stay in the Paris climate deal.