Mark Esper

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 ...

President Donald Trump is announcing that he is replacing Defense Secretary Mark Esper, a little more than a year after he was confirmed to the position by the Senate.  In a tweet on ...

"The NBC story is inaccurate and misleading in many ways."

"I want to know, because I won't hesitate to take action if that's the case."

"President Trump has the highest respect and admiration for our nation's military members, veterans and families."

The two men were "not in a good place," source says.

Esper said the U.S. government was "still getting information on what happened."

"This is an urgent matter for American democracy."

"We will further improve the morale, cohesion, and readiness of the force in defense of our great Nation."

"I've recommended a commission of folks to take a hard look at the bases, the statues, the names, all of this stuff, to see if we can have a rational, ...

"Secretary Esper's failure to protect his troops sets a new, dark precedent that any Commander in Chief can interfere with routine merit-based military promotions."

Esper unveiled three new initiatives geared toward a "reinvigorated effort" to expand racial diversity and equal opportunities in the U.S. Military.

When asked if he thought the top generals' statements were significant, Trump said, "No."

“This ‘ambush’ of American citizens who were protesting the killing of Floyd was created to allow the President to partake in a blatantly political photo opportunity."

Esper offered a different perspective of the series of events that unfolded.

"America is not a battleground. Our fellow citizens are not the enemy."

"President Donald Trump is honoring America's fallen service members."

The full military will not be tested and Esper is explaining why.

Esper "intends to thoroughly review the report and will meet again with Navy leadership to discuss next steps."

"I have full faith and confidence in him and the Navy leadership."