Eddie Gallagher THANKS ‘True Leader’ Donald Trump For Showing ‘Moral Fiber’ After The Pentagon Fired Navy Secretary Richard Spencer For His ‘Misconduct’ Over The Disgraced SEAL’s War Crimes Case

‘A man of great achievement and success, I know Ken will do an outstanding job!’ the president added.

Earlier today the White House said that Trump would not interfere in the process and it appeared as if the president was backing down.

Trump’s apparent about-face came just as Gallagher, who was demoted in rank after he was convicted in July of a war crime for posing with a corpse, appeared on Fox & Friends Sunday morning and praised the president for his continued support.

‘I don’t know how many times I can thank the president. He keeps stepping in and doing the right thing,’ he said. ‘I just want to let him know that the rest of the SEAL community is not about this right now. They all respect the president.’

Gallagher claimed the move to revoke his SEAL status was ‘retaliation’ for Trump’s public bid to restore his rank the week prior and accused Navy top brass of ‘insubordination’.

‘This is all about ego and retaliation. This has nothing to do with good order and discipline,’ Gallagher told Fox & Friends.

The SEAL also charged that Navy officers engaged in ‘corruption’ during his case – and revealed that he is armed with additional evidence against top officials.

‘Just recently we come up more evidence that will be exposing next week that the secretary of the Navy [Spencer] was actually meddling in my case and trying to get organizations not to support me while I was incarcerated,’ Gallagher said.

‘They could have taken my Trident at any time they wanted now trying to take it after president restored my rank.

‘I just want to retire peacefully with all the honors that I have earned. Get back to my family,’ he added, noting that he hopes to retire by November 30.

The alleged private proposal consisted of Spencer requesting White House officials to not interfere with the proceedings against Gallagher. If White House officials agreed, then Spencer would ensure that Gallagher was able to retire as a Navy SEAL.

Spencer reportedly did not share information regarding the proposal with Esper, despite having multiple conversations about it.

In a statement on Sunday, Esper said he was ‘deeply troubled by this conduct’.

‘Unfortunately, as a result I have determined that Secretary Spencer no longer has my confidence to continue in his position,’ Esper said in a statement. ‘I wish Richard well.’

Spencer released his own statement that reads: ‘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.’

Spencer added: ‘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.’

Earlier on Sunday, a senior official said that the White House had given the green light to proceed with the review as planned on Friday, the day after Trump tweeted that the Navy ‘will NOT be taking away Warfighter and Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher’s Trident Pin’.

The Navy responded to the president’s tweet by saying that it would be awaiting further guidance, and Spencer remarked that he did not consider the tweet to be a formal order.

Spencer and SEAL commander Rear Admiral Collin Green both reportedly threatened to resign if Trump halted the review.

Gallagher was acquitted of murder in the detainee’s death in July, and sentenced to a demotion in rank and pay grade, but not prison time.

Trump intervened in the case last week, ordering the Navy to restore Gallagher’s rank and pay and clearing the way for him to retire on a full pension.

But Navy brass notified Gallagher this week that a five-member panel of fellow Navy commandos would convene next month to review his case and recommend whether he is fit to remain in the SEALs.

Gallagher filed a complaint with the inspector general accusing Rear Adm Collin Green – the Naval Special Warfare commander – of insubordination for defying Trump’s actions.

The Navy responded with a statement saying it would follow ‘lawful orders’ from the president to halt the review but was awaiting further guidance, suggesting his Twitter post was not considered a formal directive.

Removing the Trident pins means Gallagher will no longer be a SEAL but could remain in the Navy.

The Navy has revoked 154 Trident pins since 2011.

Story cited here.

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