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The sudden firing of Defense Secretary Mark Esper “to some extent” causes confusion in the system, said Barbara Starr, a CNN correspondent at the Pentagon.
“This really is, at least at this moment, a shock wave at the Pentagon. Everyone knew that Esper disagreed with the president, but had a feeling, so to speak, that he could overcome the end of the administration.” . “Starr told CNN’s Brianna Keilar.
Starr said there are a number of things at the Pentagon that are “exceptionally critical” such as President Trump’s insistence on withdrawing troops from Afghanistan before Christmas, despite military commanders telling the president that he is too optimistic because of the high level of violence. The same is true of the troops in Syria, Iraq and the special forces in Africa.
“What will happen to the troops? Is the president just going to issue an edict, does he want everyone to go home? That would cause great disorder because the US military wants to have a lasting presence abroad, extend the influence of the United States. United with allies and keep a close eye on adversaries, “Starr explained.
Esper was also scheduled to travel to Europe next week to talk about the withdrawal of troops from Germany and a revised US military presence on the continent, now it is unclear if that will happen with the new acting defense secretary, Starr said.
Starr also noted that Esper’s firing leaves General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the “hot seat.”
“Milley is now the guy that the president will eventually turn to for military advice and can convince the president, you know, not to have a period of turmoil in national security” roughly 70 days from the inauguration?
CNN’s Barbara Starr reports:
