Newly appointed acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller said Friday that the military “remains strong” following President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump: New York won’t receive COVID-19 vaccine immediately Biden considering Yellen as possible Treasury secretary: report Trump puts Giuliani in charge of election lawsuits: report MORE‘s abrupt ouster of his predecessor and the resignations of several top Defense officials.
“I want to assure the American public and our allies and partners that the Department of Defense remains strong and continues its vital work of protecting our homeland, our people and our interests around the world,” Miller said at the Pentagon ahead of a meeting with his Lithuanian counterpart.
Miller on Monday took over as Pentagon chief after Trump fired previous Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperHaspel not in attendance at latest Trump intelligence briefing: reports Overnight Defense: Another Defense official resigns | Pentagon chief says military ‘remains strong’ despite purge | Top contender for Biden DOD secretary would be historic pick Ex-CIA Director Brennan: Trump ‘score settling’ with Pentagon changes MORE via tweet, two days after President-elect Joe BidenJoe BidenTrump: New York won’t receive COVID-19 vaccine immediately Biden considering Yellen as possible Treasury secretary: report Obama hits Trump for refusing to concede, says there’s ‘no legal basis’ for challenges MORE was declared the winner of the presidential election.
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Esper’s departure was quickly followed by that of the Pentagon’s top policy official James Anderson, top intelligence official Joseph Kernan and Esper’s chief of staff Jen Stewart, who all submitted letters of resignation on Tuesday.
Deputy chief of staff Alexis Ross resigned on Friday.
The shake-up was quickly called out by lawmakers as a detriment to national security in the midst of a tense transition of power. Trump’s critics also worry that the Pentagon’s new leadership may try to push through controversial executive orders in the president’s remaining two months in office.
“Whatever the reason, casting aside a Secretary of Defense during the volatile days of transition seems to neglect the President’s most important duty: to protect our national security,” tweeted Rep. Elissa SlotkinElissa SlotkinOvernight Defense: Another Defense official resigns | Pentagon chief says military ‘remains strong’ despite purge | Top contender for Biden DOD secretary would be historic pick New Pentagon chief says military ‘remains strong’ following leadership purge Overnight Defense: Trump fires Defense chief Mark Esper | Worries grow about rudderless post-election Pentagon | Esper firing hints at broader post-election shake-up | Pelosi says Esper firing shows Trump intent on sowing ‘chaos’ MORE (D-Mich.), a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official.
But on Friday, Miller underscored calm at the Defense Department. He noted that he has already spoken to his counterparts in several ally countries, including Germany, France and the United Kingdom, and that he plans to speak to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg later in the day.
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Miller also said he has spoken with leaders in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellHaspel not in attendance at latest Trump intelligence briefing: reports Overnight Defense: Another Defense official resigns | Pentagon chief says military ‘remains strong’ despite purge | Top contender for Biden DOD secretary would be historic pick Lincoln Project resurfaces Kellyanne Conway tweet calling 306 electoral votes ‘historic’ MORE (R-Ky.), Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiHouse adjusts format for dinner with new members after criticism Overnight Defense: Another Defense official resigns | Pentagon chief says military ‘remains strong’ despite purge | Top contender for Biden DOD secretary would be historic pick On The Money: House Democrats to renew effort to obtain Trump’s tax returns | How Biden might use executive power to advance economic agenda MORE (D-Calif.) and the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services committees.
Miller, a White House counterterrorism specialist and former special forces officer, will likely be replaced quickly after Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20.