News
Trump’s Defense Secretary Fires Navy Chief Over Case of SEAL Accused of War Crimes Who the President Pardoned

White House Claimed It Would Not Get Involved
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has asked for the resignation of Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer over reports he was strongly considering quitting over President Donald Trump’s interference in the case of a SEAL accused of multiple war crimes. Trump pardoned the alleged war criminal and took to Twitter to tell the Navy chief he should stop his plan to fire the SEAL and “Get back to business!”
The Navy will NOT be taking away Warfighter and Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher’s Trident Pin. This case was handled very badly from the beginning. Get back to business!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 21, 2019
“Unfortunately, as a result I have determined that Secretary Spencer no longer has my confidence to continue in his position,” Esper said, according to The Washington Post. “I wish Richard well.”
The firing comes after the White House let it be known it would not interfere in how the Navy decided to move forward against the Navy SEAL, Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher.
Secvretary Spencer “denied that he had threatened to resign but said disciplinary plans against Chief Gallagher would proceed because he did not consider Mr. Trump’s statement on Twitter to be a formal order,” The New York Times reported Saturday.
Read the full report at The Washington Post
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
![]() |