Trump Fires Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Appoints Christopher Miller Acting Secretary
President Donald Trump has fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper. This announcement comes at a time of national uncertainty about the outcome of Trump’s bid for a second term.
Trump announced the news in a tweet, saying that “effective immediately” Christopher Miller, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, will serve as acting secretary, sidestepping the department’s No.2-ranking official, Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist.
“Chris will do a GREAT job!” Trump tweeted. “Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service.”
...Chris will do a GREAT job! Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2020
Esper's tenure at the Pentagon was packed with controversy and clashes. The move follows a series of disagreements. among them the withdrawal of US forces from key bases abroad, and using active-duty troops to calm violent protests here at home.
Esper, 56, was serving as the secretary of the Army when the president picked him last year to replace Patrick Shanahan who had resigned.
Last summer's unrest reportedly triggered a debate within the administration over the proper role of the military.
Esper's opposition to using active-duty troops to help restore calm led to speculation that the defense chief was prepared to quit if faced with the issue again.
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