Fired Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer lashed out at President Trump in an interview with CBS News on the steps of the Pentagon Monda...
Fired Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer lashed out at President Trump in an interview with CBS News on the steps of the Pentagon Monday evening. Spencer, who mutinied against Trump over his order to not kick Chief Petty Officer Eddie Gallagher out of the Navy SEALs, also attacked Trump in his letter acknowledging his firing this past weekend over the Gallagher case.
Spencer said of Trump, “What message does that send to the troops? That you can get away with this? We have to have good order and discipline. It is the backbone of what we do. I don’t think he really understands the full definition of a warfighter. A warfighter is a profession of arms and a profession of arms has standards, that they have to be held to and they hold themselves to.”
In his letter Sunday acknowledging his firing, Spencer condescendingly wrote to Trump:
…As Secretary of the Navy, one of the most important responsibilities I have to our people is to maintain good order and discipline throughout the ranks. I regard this as deadly serious business. The lives of our Sailors, Marines and civilian teammates quite literally depend on the professional execution of our many missions, and they also depend on the ongoing faith and support of the people we serve and the allies we serve alongside.The rule of law is what sets us apart from our adversaries. Good order and discipline is what has enabled our victory against foreign tyranny time and again, from Captain Lawrence’s famous order “Don’t Give up the Ship,” to the discipline and determination that propelled our flag to the highest point of Iwo Jima. The Constitution, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, are the shields that set us apart, and the beacons that protect us all. Through my Title Ten Authority, I have strived to ensure our proceedings are fair, transparent and consistent, from the newest recruit to the Flag and General Officer level.Unfortunately, it has become apparent that in this respect, I no longer share the same understanding with the Commander in Chief who appointed me, in regards to the key principle of good order and discipline. I cannot in good conscience obey an order that I believe violates the sacred oath I took in the presence of my family, my flag and my faith to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.The President deserves and should expect a Secretary of the Navy who is aligned with his vision for the future of our force generation and sustainment. Therefore, with pride in the achievements we’ve shared, and everlasting faith in the continued service and fidelity of the finest Sailors, Marines and civilian teammates on earth, I hereby acknowledge my termination as United States Secretary of the Navy, to be effective immediately.
Spencer was fired after Secretary of Defense Mark Esper learned he had gone behind his back and proposed to the White House to fix Gallagher’s review so that he remained a SEAL.
CBS noted that Spencer, no longer with a government limo at his service, had to be picked up by his wife in the family car at the Pentagon.
CBS NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Ousted Navy Secretary Richard Spencer tells @CBSNews that Pres. Trump does not understand the "full definition of a war fighter" after the president stopped the Pentagon review of SEAL Eddie Gallagher & called him a "great fighter.” pic.twitter.com/vJuh6KfB23— Norah O'Donnell🇺🇸 (@NorahODonnell) November 25, 2019
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