House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) says the firing of Defense Secretary Mark Esper is proof that President Donald Trump wants to “sow chaos” in the final days of his presidency.
In a statement on Monday, Pelosi said, “The abrupt firing of Secretary Esper is disturbing evidence that President Trump is intent on using his final days in office to sow chaos in our American Democracy and around the world.”
“Continuity and stability are always important during a presidential transition; they are absolutely imperative at this moment, as this historically erratic Administration prepares for its departure,” she continued.
“It is concerning that reports show that this firing was an act of retribution by the President, allegedly for Secretary Esper’s refusal to send active-duty military troops to crack down on peaceful demonstrations against police brutality. Most disturbingly, however, the timing of this dismissal raises serious questions about Trump’s planned actions for the final days of his Administration.”
“Again and again, Trump’s recklessness endangers our national security. It is disturbing and dangerous that, at this precarious moment, our military will now be led by an official who has not been confirmed for this position by the Senate,” she added.
In a tweet earlier in the day, Trump said, “I am pleased to announce that Christopher C. Miller, the highly respected Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (unanimously confirmed by the Senate), will be Acting Secretary of Defense, effective immediately.”
…Chris will do a GREAT job! Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2020
“Chris will do a GREAT job! Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service,” he added.
Esper reportedly drafted a resignation letter before the election. However, Pentagon officials denied that report was accurate. An August report said Trump was considering firing Esper if he lost re-election.