Esper said he was “deeply troubled by this conduct” and added: “Unfortunately, as a result I have determined that Secretary Spencer no longer has my confidence to continue in his position. The Washington Post reported that Spencer did not share this private proposal with Esper. It was reported on Sunday that Esper asked for Spencer’s resignation “after learning that he had privately proposed to White House officials that if they did not interfere with proceedings against Gallagher, Spencer would ensure that Gallagher was able to retire as a Navy Seal, with his Trident insignia ”. It has exposed fissures in Trump’s relationship with the highest ranks of the US military and raised questions about the appropriate role of a commander-in-chief in matters of military justice.
Spencer’s firing was a dramatic turn in the fast-changing and politically charged controversy. Trump intervened last week, ordering the navy to restore Gallagher’s pay and rank, a move that would allow him to retire with a full pension. Gallagher was acquitted of a murder charge related to the 2017 stabbing death of an Islamic State fighter but was demoted.
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