Washington: US President Donald Trump has fired Defence Secretary Mark Esper, a stunning and unprecedented move at a time of national uncertainty about the outcome of Trump’s bid for a second term. The move could be seen as unsettling for the Pentagon and a source of concern for international allies and partners.
It is the first time in the modern era that a president seeking re-election has removed his Pentagon chief after election day. Presidents who win re-election often replace Cabinet members, including the secretary of defence, but losing presidents have kept their Pentagon chiefs in place until Inauguration Day to preserve stability in the name of national security.
Donald Trump said he had fired Defence Secretary Mark Esper, pictured.Credit:AP
Esper’s strained relationship with Trump came close to collapse during the summer’s civil unrest that triggered a debate within the administration over the proper role of the military in combating domestic unrest.
Esper’s opposition to using active duty troops to help quell protests in Washington, DC, infuriated Trump, and led to wide speculation that the defence chief was prepared to quit if faced with such an issue again.
