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Despite the US president likely only having a few months left in office, he chose to make a ministerial change on Monday.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper is forced to resign with immediate effect, and Christopher T. Miller, head of the US National Counterterrorism Agency, takes over as acting director.
Not completely unexpected
That Mark Esper is fired is not entirely unexpected, several US media report. In June, Esper openly opposed Trump’s desire to deploy military service in connection with the demonstrations that followed a series of deadly police interventions against African Americans. Something that should have sparked Trumplägret’s anger.
According to sources close to the now dismissed Defense Minister, he should have had a letter of resignation ready for several months to be able to leave quickly and with dignity, rNBC reporter.
In an interview with the Military Times newspaper, Mark Esper says that despite his dismissal, he is proud of the work he has done during his time in office.
Esper, who has come under fire from critics for the unflattering “Yesper” (sort of say yes) also refutes accusations that he did not defend his own views.
– My frustration is that I sit here and think. Hm, 18 ministers. Who resisted more than anyone? Name another minister who resisted, he tells the newspaper.
Action against Iran
While Donald Trump will most likely have only a few months left in power, the appointment of Christopher Miller could have consequences for US foreign policy, writes the New York Times.
Sources within the Defense Ministry have indicated that Donald Trump may launch some type of operation, open or secret, against Iran during his last days in power.
The now-incoming Miller has been one of the driving forces behind Trump’s tough sanctions against Iran and the Shiite militia Hezbollah, which is considered close to Iran, the newspaper writes.
