Trump eyes firing defense chief Esper: source
U.S. President Donald Trump has apparently talked about firing Defense Secretary Mark Esper in private discussions with advisers.
That's according to a source familiar with the internal debate, who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source says Trump and Esper were "not in a good place," but that Trump did not intend to replace him until after the November election.
Esper is respected by both Democrats and Republicans as a steady hand at the Pentagon during a turbulent administration.
Trump has repeatedly drawn the military into domestic political issues, such as the border wall with Mexico.
However, a growing number of differences between the two men has troubled Trump.
A particular sore spot came in the wake of George Floyd's death in police custody when Esper opposed sending active-duty forces to put an end to protests.
He also appeared to publicly split with Trump last month, issuing a de facto ban on the Confederate flag at military installations at a time when Trump defended its use as a matter of free speech.
The source acknowledged the Confederate flag issue was another source of tension.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
However, one U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity noted that turnover in top positions is common at the end of a presidential term.
Trump's private discussions about Esper could stoke more anxiety among Democratic lawmakers about leadership at the Department of Defense.
Earlier this month, the White House installed at the Pentagon a senior policy official who falsely called Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, a Muslim and a terrorist.
