Sources told Fox News that the president’s announcement caught some of his staff off guard. Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller at a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony led by President Donald Trump at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, November 11, 2020. Trump soured on his first defense secretary, Mattis, who resigned in December 2018 over Trump’s abrupt decision — later rescinded — to pull all U.S. troops out of Syria, and then on Esper. President Donald Trump on Monday said he fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper, after months of speculation that Esper was on his way out for defying the president on several occasions. The confirmation of Biden's permanent nominee, Lloyd Austin, has been delayed. President Trump and Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper bow their heads during an invocation at the Full Honors Welcome Ceremony for Secretary … Acting Secretary of Defense, Christopher C. Miller visits U.S. Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller stunned reporters on Thursday during an extraordinary press gaggle, just six days before President Donald Trump leaves office. WASHINGTON — President Trump fired Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper on Monday, upending the military’s leadership at a time when Mr. Trump’s refusal to … President Donald Trump on Monday named Christopher Charles Miller as acting Secretary of Defense, replacing Mark Esper. The Pentagon discontinued briefings with the Biden Transition Team on Friday morning. Stephen Losey of the Air Force Times described Miller’s remarks as “the most epic case of senioritis ever.” “Gobsmacking […] Both the House and the Senate have now approved a waiver for Retired General Lloyd Austin to serve as Secretary of Defense, an important hurdle … — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2020. Former President Bill Clinton's secretary of defense told MSNBC on Monday that if President Trump truly believes the things he has tweeted and retweeted regarding election integrity, then he … Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) headquarters on board Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Nov 25., 2020. Fox News has learned that Esper was involved in meetings at the Pentagon Monday morning, and was behaving as defense secretary. “The subversion of government continues” In a move denounced by security and legal experts acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller has ordered the National Security Agency to install Michael Ellis, a Trump loyalist, former chief counsel to GOP Rep. Devin Nunes, and Republican political operative, as the NSA’s top lawyer. Trump soured on his first defense secretary, Mattis, who resigned in December 2018 over Trump’s abrupt decision — later rescinded — to pull all U.S. troops out of Syria, and then on Esper. DEVELOPING: Trump to Meet with Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller in the Oval Office at 3:30 PM. The 10 who signed on to an opinion column include two who served under President Donald Trump. (CNN) — The acting secretary of defense is trying to install a Trump loyalist as the top lawyer at the National Security Agency, according to three sources familiar. Trump soured on his first defense secretary, Mattis, who resigned in December 2018 over Trump’s abrupt decision — later rescinded — to pull all U.S. troops out of Syria, and then on Esper. U.S. President Donald Trump Monday announced via Twitter that he has fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Hoffman, with the encouragement of former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, did more than any of Trump’s previous Pentagon spokespersons to engage the … Transition 2021. The role is a civil service position, […] Defense. President-elect Joe Biden’s first defense secretary may turn out to be President Donald Trump’s last deputy defense secretary, at least for a several days. Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller is trying to install a Trump loyalist, Michael Ellis, as the top lawyer at the National Security Agency, according to three sources familiar. And that, regardless of intent, is an inexcusable failure. Ex-Defense secretaries say military must stay out of election battles. Biden’s pick for defense secretary supports overturning Trump’s military transgender ban Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin said anyone who is qualified to serve should be allowed to serve At the same time, politico.com reported that “defense establishment figures” were urging Esper to stay on during a “transition of power.” Esper, however, is out and Christopher Miller, the director of the National Anti-Terrorism Center, will take over as acting secretary. In a pair of tweets , Trump announced that Christopher Miller, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, will serve as acting defense secretary. Biden taps Trump appointee Norquist to be his temporary Defense secretary. Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller at a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony led by President Donald Trump at the Tomb of the Unknown … By Jim Hoft Published December 18, 2020 at 11:56am Share on Facebook (5.7k) Tweet Share Email Print. Fox News – President Trump on Monday said he fired Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and that Christopher Miller, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, will take over as acting defense secretary “effective immediately.” “Mark Esper has been terminated,” Trump tweeted, his first ousting of a Cabinet official since the election was called for Democratic […] And it now appears that that inaction, by Trump Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, very nearly caused the fall of the U.S. government. “I mean, I cannot wait to leave this job, believe me,” Miller said. Wednesday's events at the U.S. Capitol testify to multiple and very serious security failures. “Mark Esper has been terminated. Extraordinary press gaggle, just six days before President Donald Trump believe me ”! ) Tweet Share Email Print Secretary Christopher Miller stunned reporters on Thursday during an extraordinary press,... 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