The U.S. Department of Defense is facing resignation following the ouster of Pentagon chef Mark Esper by lame-duck President Donald Trump.
The Pentagon’s top policy officer, James Anderson, and the agency’s top intelligence official, Joseph Kernan, and Esper’s chief of staff, Jan Stuart, have reportedly resigned.
“For the service rendered to the country and the department, I thank Dr. Anderson, Admiral Kernan and Jen Stewart, ”Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller said in a statement. Each of them has made a significant contribution to the national defense and the future of the Department of Defense throughout their careers. I wish them the best in their next endeavors. ”
The resignation is “a matter of concern to all Americans.” Adam Smith, chairman of the Arms and Services Committee, said in a statement issued after Anderson’s departure.
“As soon as former Vice President Biden was elected president, President Trump and his loyalists began to sow discord and division. It seems that trouble has now reached the Pentagon. ”
Concerns were growing about Trump’s refusal to concede defeat in the aftermath of the presidential election and the use of the military to pursue his agenda.
“If this is the beginning of a trend – if the president expels or forces national security professionals to replace them with people they think are more loyal to him – the next 70 days will be the most dangerous and the most dangerous,” Smith said. “This confirms what I have been saying for months: the President’s loyalty has seriously affected the efficiency of our government and made us safer.”
The president was also considering ousting CIA chief Gina Haspel.
