President Trump on Monday replaced Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper with Christopher C. Miller, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center.
Trump made the announcement on Twitter and said Miller will serve as acting Defense Secretary “effective immediately.”
Despite news reports and speculation that Esper would resign or be fired soon, the move came unexpectedly to Pentagon insiders.
…Chris will do a GREAT job! Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2020