Are US Defense Secretary Mark Esper's Days In The Pentagon Are Numbered?

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Yuri Gripas/Reuters

Reuters: Trump privately discussing replacing Defense Secretary Esper after election

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump has privately discussed with advisers the possibility of replacing Defense Secretary Mark Esper after the November election following a growing number of differences between them, a source familiar with the internal debate said on Wednesday.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the two men were “not in a good place” but that Trump did not intend to move on Esper until voters have rendered their judgment on a second Trump term on Nov. 3.

Esper, a former Army secretary, is respected by Republicans and Democrats as a steady hand at the Pentagon during a turbulent administration that has seen Trump repeatedly draw the military into hot-button domestic political issues, including the border wall with Mexico.

But Trump was troubled by Esper’s opposition to invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty forces to quell civil unrest that broke out in June after the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was in police custody in Minneapolis.

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WNU Editor: Regardless on what happens after election day, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper's days are numbered.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper Says He Did Not Received A Briefing That Included The Word 'Bounty'

FOX News: Esper, in House testimony, says he had not received a briefing referencing the word 'bounty'

'To the best of my recollection, I have not received a briefing that included the word bounty,' he said

Defense Secretary Mark Esper testified on Thursday that he had no recollection of receiving any briefings that “included the word bounty,” amid reports claiming Russia offered bounties to Afghan militants for killing U.S. soldiers.

During a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee, Esper was asked about the reports.

“To the best of my recollection, I have not received a briefing that included the word bounty,” Esper said.

Esper was then asked where the intelligence on Russian bounties came from, to which he replied: "It was not produced by a DoD intelligence agency."

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WNU Editor: What is there to get to the bottom of? .... Top general vows to 'get to the bottom' of Russia bounty intel (Hill).

More News On Today's Senate Hearing On Russian Bounties For US Soldiers In Afghanistan

SECDEF tells lawmakers he’s not convinced Russia offered Taliban bounties to kill US troops -- Military Times
Defense Secretary Esper, In Careful Exchange, Denies Being Briefed On 'Bounties' -- NPR
Pentagon opens investigation into media leaks amid Russian bounty reports -- Politico
Mark Esper tells Congress he wasn’t briefed on Russian ‘bounties’ -- NYPost
Duckworth demands more details on Russian bounties on US troops -- CNN

U.S. Secretary Of Defense: China Is Top Of The US List Of Most Dangerous Military Rivals

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper (file photo)

Daily Mail: China is top of the US list of most dangerous military rivals - taking a step ahead of Russia, defense chief warns

* US defense chief told military chiefs the US needed to match Beijing capabilities
* He sent a message to Pentagon staff marking his first year as defense secretary
* Mark Esper told military chiefs China was now ahead of Russia in threat-levels
* Two years after predecessor James Mattis said Russia and China were equal

The US defense secretary has disclosed that China is top of the country's list of most dangerous military rivals.

Mark Esper told military chiefs the US needed to match Beijing's capabilities by recalibrating training and operations.

In a message to Pentagon staff marking his first year in the role, he said the US must make China 'the pacing threat in all our schools, programmes and training', according to The Times.

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WNU Editor: Defense Secretary Esper is repeating what the FBI Director said a few days ago .... FBI director: China is 'greatest threat' to US (BBC)

Did President Trump Consider Firing Secretary of Defense Mark Esper?

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Yuri Gripas/Reuters

CNN: Wall Street Journal: Trump came close to firing Esper due to dispute over protest response

President Donald Trump came close to firing Secretary of Defense Mark Esper last week following their dispute over Trump's threat to use active-duty troops to quell large-scale protests across the United States, several officials told The Wall Street Journal.

The officials told the Journal that allies and advisers on Capitol Hill talked Trump out of the move after he asked their opinion about the disagreement. Esper, some of the officials said, had made his own preparations to resign -- including preparing a resignation letter -- but was convinced by aides not to go forward with it.

An administration official familiar with the matter confirmed to CNN Wednesday that Esper contemplated resigning following the public break with Trump over the response to protests.

The source said, Esper was aware the President was angry enough to potentially fire him. Esper strongly opposed the President's notion that active duty troops might need to be called in, believing there were sufficient National Guard forces.

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Update #1: Trump was talked out of firing Esper last week: report -- The Hill
Update #2: Trump was talked out of firing Defense Secretary Esper over disagreement on protest response, WSJ says -- CNBC

WNU Editor: I never had the impression last week that he was going to "fire" the Defence Secretary. But according to the Wall Street Journal, some did.

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper Says The U.S. Will Not Invoke The Insurrection Act To Quell Civil Unrest

Reuters: U.S. shouldn't invoke Insurrection Act, defense secretary says

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Wednesday he does not support invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy active duty forces to quell civil unrest, a move President Donald Trump threatened to take to stem protests that have roiled the nation.

Trump this week said he could use military forces in states that fail to crack down on sometimes violent protests over the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis.

“The option to use active duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations. We are not in one of those situations now,” Esper told a news briefing.

“I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act.”

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WNU Editor: In the above video U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper is very clear. Circumstances do not exist for the US government to invoke the Insurrection Act. To me that is a big relief. But the media coverage of this announcement is a different narrative. They are saying that he has has broke with the White House on this issue?!?!?! That is not the impression that I got from the above video. The impression that I got is that the issue was examined, and the decision was made (most likely by the President and his military advisers) that current circumstances do not justify the Insurrection Act.

Update: U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has also pointed out that this widely reported story is 100% wrong .... Esper on Trump church photo-op: I thought we were going to 'talk to the troops' (NBC). According to the above Mark Esper video. Everyone knew they were going to the church.

More News On The Media Saying That The U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper Is "Opposed" To The Insurrection Act

Esper opposes using Insurrection Act for law enforcement -- AP
Defense chief breaks with Trump on response to protests -- CNN
Defense Secretary Breaks With Trump, 'Does Not Support' Invoking Insurrection Act -- Zero Hedge

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper Told Governors The Need To 'Dominate The Battle-Space' In The Nation's Cities

'We need to dominate the battle-space,' Defense Secretary Mark Esper told governors on a conference call with President Trump Monday

Daily Mail: Defense secretary tells governors to 'dominate the battle-space' in nation's cities as he and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff join Donald Trump on crisis call

* 'I agree we need to dominate the battle-space,' the Pentagon boss told governors on a call
* President Trump said they would look like 'jerks' and 'fools' if they didn't 'dominate' and gain control of the streets
* Esper says only 17,000 Guard troops have been deployed
* White House says 350,000 are available to be called up

Defense Secretary Mark Esper told the nation's governors they should use thousands of National Guard forces to 'dominate the battle-space' – on a call where the President Trump told them they would look like 'fools' otherwise.

Esper pressed governors on the call Monday morning to dramatically increase the use of National Guard troops on the streets, after the president scolded them, saying they would have to 'dominate or you'll look like a bunch of jerks.

'At my urging, I agree we need to dominate the battle-space,' Esper told the governors, who assembled on a conference call.

Read more ....

Update #1: Pentagon chief urges governors to 'dominate the battlespace' to end unrest as thousands of National Guard troops take to the streets in US cities -- Business Insider
Update #2: Esper encourages governors to ‘dominate the battlespace’ to put down nationwide protests -- Military Times

WNU Editor: The audio of the US secretary of defense referring to American streets as the “battle space” is below:

Here’s the audio of the US secretary of defense referring to American streets as the “battle space” pic.twitter.com/SmqynReHTC

— John Hudson (@John_Hudson) June 1, 2020

Progressives and critics of President trump have a different view .... Secretary of Defense Mark Esper Gets Roasted for Saying Governors Need to ‘Dominate the Battlespace’ (Mediaite).

U.S. Defense Secretary Says Sailors Aboard Coronavirus Stricken Aircraft Carrier Are Not 'Seriously Ill'

Business Insider: Top US official says it's not time to evacuate aircraft carrier dealing with coronavirus — even after its commander pleaded for urgent help

* Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US Navy was not yet "at that point" where it ought to evacuate crew members of an aircraft carrier reportedly with a growing number of coronavirus cases.
* On Tuesday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the commander of an aircraft carrier wrote a four-page letter warning that the "spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating."
* Esper, who claimed he had "not had a chance to read that letter ... in detail," said that none of the sailors were "seriously ill."

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the United States Navy was not yet "at that point" where it ought to evacuate crew members of an aircraft carrier reportedly coping with over a hundred cases of the novel coronavirus.

"We are moving a lot of supplies and assistance ... out of the carrier in Guam," Esper said during an interview with "CBS Evening News" on Tuesday, referring to the USS Theodore Roosevelt and its crew of over 4,000 US service members.

On Tuesday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the commander of the ship, US Navy Capt. Brett Crozier, wrote a four-page letter to the Department of the Navy warning that the "spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating."

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WNU Editor: In a crisis like the one that we are all going through the optics from the leadership on how they are handling it is important. In this case, after admitting that he had not even read the letter from the Captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt while saying that the sailors were not seriously sick, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper is failing miserably.

More News On U.S. Defense Secretary Remarks On The Sailors Aboard Coronavirus Stricken Aircraft Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt

Esper Says He Hasn't Read Captain's Plea From Coronavirus-Stricken Carrier, Dismisses Evacuation Request -- Newsweek
Defense Secretary Says He Hasn't Even Read Letter From Carrier Captain Pleading To Evacuate Crew -- Warzone/The Drive
Mark Esper Admits He Hasn’t ‘Had A Chance’ To Read Desperate Plea From Captain Of Aircraft Carrier Filled With Sick Sailors -- Daily Caller
Stick to the ‘chain of command’! Pentagon rejects aircraft carrier captain’s plea to save crew as 100+ sailors contract Covid-19 -- RT

Is U.S. Defense Secretary Esper Failing In His Job When It Comes To The Coronavirus?

Craig Hooper, Forbes: Defense Secretary Esper Is Failing In Fight Against Coronavirus In U.S. Military

The Pentagon’s inability to provide decisive, clear guidance on the novel coronavirus pandemic is shaking confidence in Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.

As the coronavirus and the diseases it causes, COVID-19, spread throughout America’s national security enterprise, concerns are rising that the former Raytheon executive is poorly equipped to grasp the operational and strategic challenges of this emerging biological threat. The slow-motion failure of Pentagon senior leadership became increasingly apparent Tuesday with the leaking to the press of a four-page letter by Captain Brett Crozier, the commander of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The letter pleads for guidance and support amid an outbreak aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, where 150 to 200 new cases had been identified among the crew of over 4,000 in the past few days. Later in the day, Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said the service was working to evacuate most of the sailors from the ship.

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WNU Editor: It is still too early to past judgment.

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper Took Part In Nuclear War Scenarios Last Week

Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper hosts a town hall during his visit to the headquarters of U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Feb. 20, 2020. Staff Sgt. Brandy Nicole Mejia

Marcus Weisgerber, Defense One: Esper Plays Nuclear War: Russia Nukes Europe, US Fires Back

The defense secretary took part in a classified drill at U.S. Strategic Command this week.

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper took part in a classified military drill this week in which Russia and the United States traded nuclear strikes, Pentagon officials said on background Friday.

The “mini exercise” held at U.S. Strategic Command headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, on Thursday comes just weeks after the U.S. confirmed that it has deployed controversial low-yield nuclear missiles on Navy submarines, and as the Trump administration asks Congress to approve $44 billion to buy new nuclear weapons and maintain its existing arsenal.

“The scenario included a European contingency where you’re conducting a war with Russia and Russia decides to use a low-yield, limited nuclear weapon against a site on NATO territory,” a senior defense official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss classified military drills.

The U.S. fired back with what the senior official called a “limited response” to Moscow’s nuclear attack in Europe.

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WNU Editor: These exercises must produce some sobering moments.

U.S. Defense Secretary Esper: World Must 'Wake Up To The Challenges Presented By China'

Daily Mail: Trump's Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the world needs to 'wake up' to China's growing global threat and slams their 'predatory' treatment of rivals

* Esper, who is a frequent critic of China, made the comments at an international security event in Munich
* He said China tops Pentagon's list of potential adversaries, followed by Russia
* In his address, Esper slammed the communist country's 'internal repression, predatory economic practices, and heavy-handedness'
* He did however stress that the U.S does not want conflict with China, and noted the government had sent medical supplies to help combat the coronavirus
* Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi publicly dismissed Esper's comments as 'lies'
* Esper's comments were made in the same week the U.S Department of Justice filed 16 new criminal charges against Huawei for 'plotting to steal trade secrets'

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Saturday cast China as a rising threat to world order - saying the world's most populous nation steals Western know-how, intimidates smaller neighbors and seeks an 'advantage by any means and at any cost.'

A frequent critic of China, Esper used an address to an international security conference in Munich, Germany, to give his most comprehensive condemnation yet of a communist country that he said tops the Pentagon's list of potential adversaries, followed by Russia, 'rogue states' like North Korea and Iran, and continuing threats from extremist groups.

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WNU Editor: The Chinese foreign minister has responded .... U.S. criticism of China is 'lies', foreign minister says (Reuters).

More News On U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper's Remarks On China

US defense chief slams China as rising threat to world order -- AP
US defence secretary warns Huawei 5G will put alliances at risk -- The Guardian
World must 'wake up to the challenges presented by China,' says Defense Secretary -- CNN

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper: U.S. Will Not Completely Withdraw Forces From Africa

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper says U.S. does not plan to remove all troops from Africa as part of review.

Military Times: Esper says US military not withdrawing from AFRICOM

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told reporters at the Pentagon Thursday that the U.S. military would not conduct a full troop withdrawal from Africa, though an ongoing review that could result in troop reductions.

Lawmakers and national security experts have expressed concern over the potential reduction of U.S. troops from the region following an al-Shabab attack on the Manda Bay, Kenya, base that killed three Americans, among them a U.S. soldier.

The Pentagon is amidst a review of the U.S. troop posture across the globe as military planners look for avenues to shore up resources and forces to address rising near-peer threats like Russia and China, and to better align policy with the National Defense Strategy.

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Update #1: U.S. will not completely withdraw forces from Africa: Pentagon chief (Reuters)
Update #2: U.S. Officials: Some Troops To Stay In Africa Amid Moves By Russia, China (RFE)

WNU Editor: The French are relieved .... 'Critical to our operations': French defense minister asks Esper to maintain US presence in Africa (Washington Examiner).

U.S. Defense Secretary Esper: Didn’t See Specific Evidence Iran Planned To Attack 4 Embassies

NEWS: @EsperDod tells @margbrennan he "didn't see" specific evidence showing Iran planned to strike 4 U.S. embassies, despite @realDonaldTrump saying an attack at multiple embassies was “imminent." Watch more of Esper's interview on @FacetheNation today. pic.twitter.com/1Nud8waok1

— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) January 12, 2020

CBS: Esper says he "didn't see" specific evidence showing Iranian threat to 4 U.S. embassies

Washington — Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said he "didn't see" specific evidence that top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was planning attacks on four U.S. embassies, but said he believed such attacks would have occurred.

"The president didn't cite a specific piece of evidence. What he said was he believed," Esper said Sunday on "Face the Nation." "I didn't see one, with regard to four embassies. What I'm saying is that I shared the president's view that probably — my expectation was they were going to go after our embassies. The embassies are the most prominent display of American presence in a country."

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WNU Editor: The media focus is on Secretary of Defense Mark Esper's remarks that he was not aware of any planned attacks on four US embassies. No big deal there. He was not in the loop and/or this was just an intelligence assessment. What I found more interesting as this .... Esper: Gang of 8 'did not think' further intelligence on Iranian threat should be shared with Congress (The Hill). That must ne some incredible intel if the 'Gang of 8" do not want to share with the public.

More News On U.S. Defense Secretary Esper's Remarks That He Didn’t See Specific Evidence Iran Planned To Attack 4 Embassies

Pentagon chief says no specific evidence Iran was plotting to attack four U.S. embassies -- Reuters
Esper says he's seen no hard evidence embassies under threat -- AP
Esper says he never saw evidence of threat against four US embassies -- Military Times
Esper contradicts Trump claim Iran planned attacks on four US embassies -- The Guardian
Esper Says He Didn’t See Specific Evidence Iran Planned to Attack 4 Embassies -- The New York Times
Defense Secretary Esper said he ‘didn’t see’ evidence of an Iranian plot to attack four embassies -- The Washington Post
Esper Says Bigger Iran Attacks Were ‘Days Away,' Offers No Proof -- Bloomberg

U.S. Secretary Of Defense: Strategic Interest Of U.S. Aligns With India

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper addresses reporters during a media briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 11, 2019.rin Scott / Reuters

NDTV/Press Trust of India: Strategic Interest Of US Aligns With India: American Defence Secretary

"Next week in Washington DC, the United States will host the second ever India two-plus-two ministerial, where we will continue to advance our growing partnership as our strategic interests align," US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said.

Washington: There is an alignment of America's strategic interest with India, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Friday as he identified China, followed by Russia, as Pentagon's top two challenges in the coming years.

"Next week in Washington DC, the United States will host the second ever India two-plus-two ministerial, where we will continue to advance our growing partnership as our strategic interests align," Mr Esper said during his appearance at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) think-tank.

On December 18, Mr Esper will host his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, at the Pentagon for a bilateral meeting. Following this, he and Mr Singh will drive down to the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department to join External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for the second India US 2+2 ministerial.

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WNU Editor: I sure Pakistan is not happy to hear this.

U.S. Secretary Of Defense Esper: China Has Become Top US Military Priority. Russia Is Number Two

SCMP: Pentagon head says China has become top US military priority, moving past Russia

* US Defence Secretary Mark Esper says Beijing is ‘asserting illegitimate maritime claims’ and ‘threatening its neighbours' sovereignty’ in South China Sea
* ‘Beijing and Moscow are not only violating the sovereignty of smaller states, they are also attempting to undermine international laws,” he said.

Even as US and Chinese officials were reducing global economic tensions on Friday by confirming they had reached a “phase one” trade deal, the top US military official said that the Pentagon has put China on the top of its priorities – ahead of Russia – owing to Beijing’s “brazen efforts” to undermine the territorial claims of its neighbours.

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper condemned China for undermining international laws and violating the sovereignty of smaller states.

“Today, the international rules-based order that America and its allies have worked hard to establish is being tested … China first and Russia second are now the department's top priorities,” Esper said.

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Update: US defense chief prepares for 'great power competition' with China (Nikkei Asian Review).

WNU Editor: The Chinese have noticed the Pentagon shifting their attention to them .... South China Sea: US stages 85 military exercises with regional allies in 2019, report says (SCMP).

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper Says China's Economic Power Is 'What Concerns Him The Most'

Washington Examiner: Pentagon chief Esper: China's economic power is 'what concerns me the most'

Defense Secretary Mark Esper accused China of using its economic power as political leverage with smaller nations.

The problem is particularly prevalent in the Asia-Pacific, Esper told the audience Wednesday at the Air Force Association's Air, Space & Cyber Conference in Maryland's Oxon Hill.

"I was just there a few weeks ago, and you talk to countries, they'll tell you behind closed doors, 'Look, if we do this, they've already threatened to limit this innovation or they won't provide us this loan or grant,'" Esper said.

"And so they are using that economic power as a strategic tool to coerce, influence others into a position of subordination, if you will, to what China wants, and that's a big challenge for us."

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WNU Editor: Defense Secretary Mark Esper's concerns are justified. If China did not have the economic clout that it has today, they would be a minor player on the international scene.

U.S. Secretary Of Defense Mark Esper Visits Mongolia

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and wife, Leah, arrive in Mongolia, Aug. 7, 2019. (Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith/DoD)

Reuters: With an eye on Russia, China and a horse, Pentagon chief visits Mongolia

ULAANBAATAR (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper met senior Mongolian leaders on Thursday in a rare visit to the strategically important nation as the Pentagon seeks to implement its strategy of focusing on countering China and Russia.

On a map, Mongolia, locked between Russia and China, best represents the Pentagon’s priorities over the coming decades.

“It is my deep privilege to be here, to be with you and to have the opportunity to look at different ways we can further strengthen the ties between our two countries,” Esper said before the start of his meeting with his Mongolian counterpart.

Esper was welcomed to the capital Ulaanbaatar on Wednesday according to custom, trying dried milk curd upon stepping off the plane at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, named after the country’s warrior-emperor.

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More News On U.S. Secretary Of Defense Mark Esper Visiting Mongolia

Pentagon chief visits Mongolia to strengthen military bonds -- AP
Pentagon chief makes rare visit to Mongolia -- AFP
Esper given horse in Mongolia as US looks for new inroads against China -- The Hill
In Rare Mongolia Stop, U.S. Defense Secretary Gets an Unusual Gift -- Foreign Policy

U.S. Senate Confirms Mark Esper As US Secretary Of Defense In A 90-8 Vote

FOX News: Mark Esper sworn in as new secretary of defense

Former Army Lt. Col. Mark Esper was sworn in as the new defense secretary during a brief White House ceremony Tuesday, making him the first permanent Pentagon boss since James Mattis resigned last December.

Esper, who served 10 years on active duty and 11 years in the National Guard and Army Reserve, was Acting Secretary before his nomination, and Patrick Shanahan had been Acting Secretary prior to that.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito administered the oath of office.

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More News On The Confirmation Of Mark Esper As US Secretary Of Defense

Esper is sworn in as defense secretary to succeed Mattis -- AP
Former lobbyist Esper sworn in as Pentagon chief -- Reuters
Esper sworn in as Pentagon chief -- The Hill
Mark Esper Confirmed as Trump’s Defense Secretary -- The New York Times
Esper confirmed as new defense secretary, ending Pentagon leadership uncertainty -- Defense News
Mark Esper is confirmed as 27th secretary of defense -- Stars and Stripes
Senate FINALLY confirms a defense secretary after 'acting' Pentagon chief runs the agency for seven months following exit of 'Mad Dog' Mattis -- Daily Mail
US finally gets new Pentagon chief as Senate confirms Esper -- AFP
The Pentagon Finally Has a Permanent Defense Secretary. Here's What to Know About Mark Esper -- Time

WATCH LIVE: U.S. Defense Secretary Nominee Mark Esper Testifies Before U.S. Senate Committee

President Trump Officially Nominates Mark Esper To Be The Next U.S. Defense Secretary

The Hill: Navy secretary takes over as acting Pentagon chief after Esper formally nominated

The White House has sent the official nomination paperwork to the Senate for Mark Esper, President Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, setting off a new, temporary power structure at the Defense Department.

“At 3:04 p.m. today, the Senate received the President's formal nomination of Dr. Mark T. Esper to be Secretary of Defense,” chief Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement.

The move means Esper must step down from his current role as acting Defense Secretary, temporarily heading back to his former Army Secretary position, as required under the 2010 executive order “Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Defense.”

Esper is set to go before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday morning for his confirmation hearing.

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WNU Editor: I do not expect any problems with his confirmation process.

More News On President Trump Officially Nominating Mark Esper To Be The Next U.S. Defense Secretary

Trump nominates Esper to be defense chief, succeeding Mattis -- AP
Trump officially nominates Mark Esper as next defense secretary -- USA Today
Esper formally nominated to be defense secretary by White House -- Reuters
Pentagon nominee Esper, a former Raytheon lobbyist, must extend recusal, says Warren -- Defense News
Navy secretary temporarily takes over Pentagon’s top job ahead of Esper confirmation hearing -- Military Times
Spencer becomes acting defense secretary as Esper prepares for confirmation hearing -- Stars and Stripes
Musical chairs at the Pentagon: Eight days, two top jobs, four people -- NBC
Inside the Pentagon’s Game of Musical Chairs -- Marcus Weisgerber, Defense One

President Trump Nominates Mark Esper As The Next U.S. Defense Secretary

Incoming Acting Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper greets his predecessor, outgoing @ActingSecDef Pat Shanahan, during a ceremonial clap out today as he departs the Pentagon. pic.twitter.com/TLYhNGQaUV

— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) June 21, 2019

Daily Mail: Trump nominates Army chief Mark Esper as defense secretary - after Michael Shanahan withdrew amid reports of domestic violence

* Mark Esper will be nominated by Trump to be the next defense secretary
* The announcement comes after Patrick Shanahan withdrew from consideration after reports of domestic violence incidents
* Esper, 55, is a Bronze Star Army veteran who served in the first Iraq War
* He also holds degrees from West Point and Harvard, but his past work as a Washington defense contractor has made him a target for criticism
* Esper's nomination comes as America's relationship with Iran reaches boiling point and the Pentagon battles with a number of other diplomatic concerns

President Donald Trump says he will nominate Mark Esper to be the next defense secretary.

Esper, who is currently Army Secretary, is scheduled to take over as Acting Defense Secretary on Sunday.

His predecessor as Acting Secretary, Patrick Shanahan, left the Pentagon on Friday.

Shanahan had only been in the role since January 1 of this year, and was expected to be formally nominated into the role.

However, he unexpectedly withdrew his nomination on Tuesday amid reports of a past domestic violence incident.

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More News On President Trump Nominating Mark Esper As The Next U.S. Defense Secretary

Trump taps Army Secretary Mark Esper to lead Pentagon -- Politico
Trump Nominates Mark Esper as Next Defense Secretary -- The New York Times
Trump nominates Army Secretary Mark Esper to be next Defense Secretary -- CBS
Trump says he intends to nominate Esper to lead Pentagon -- The Hill
Trump to nominate acting Pentagon chief Esper for Defense secretary -- CNBC
How Conflict Shaped Trump's New Acting Defense Secretary -- Newsweek