WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Monday, an unprecedented move by a president struggling to accept election defeat and angry at a Pentagon leader he believes wasn't loyal enough. The decision, which could unsettle international allies and Pentagon leadership, injects another element of uncertainty to...
Esper Opposes Using Insurrection Act for Law Enforcement
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Wednesday he opposes use of the Insurrection Act, which would allow President Donald Trump to use active-duty military forces for law enforcement duties in containing street protests. Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, Esper said active-duty troops in a law enforcement role should...
Aide Who Testified Against Trump Escorted out of White House
WASHINGTON — The decorated soldier and national security aide who played a central role in the Democrats' impeachment case against President Donald Trump was escorted out of the White House complex on Friday, according to his lawyer, who said he was asked to leave in retaliation for “telling the truth.”...
AP FACT CHECK: Trump Minimizes IS Risk, Distorts Iran Payout
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump wrongly dismissed the continuing threat of the Islamic State group and spread a false tale of the U.S. paying out billions of dollars to Iran as part of the multinational deal freezing its nuclear program in an address Wednesday that fell short on facts. A look at...
Pentagon Chief Fires Navy Secretary Over SEAL Controversy
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Mark Esper has fired the Navy’s top official, ending a stunning clash between President Donald Trump and top military leadership over the fate of a SEAL accused of war crimes in Iraq. Esper said Sunday that he had lost confidence in Navy Secretary Richard Spencer and...