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Added on the 04/12/2014 22:00:02 - Copyright : Reuters EN
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrives at the Philippines' Department of National Defense for talks on Thursday. The two countries announced a deal to give US troops access to another four bases in the Southeast Asian nation, as the longtime allies seek to counter China's military rise. IMAGES
The United States announces close to $3 billion in fresh military assistance for Ukraine as the country marks its Independence Day, Undersecretary for Defense Colin Kahl says at a Pentagon press briefing, in the largest single security package yet in the six-month-old war. SOUNDBITE
When Defense Secretary Mark Esper was 'terminated' from his position by President Donald Trump on Monday, lawmakers sounded the alarm. Esper, Trump's fifth defense secretary, was replaced with National Counterterrorism Center Director Christopher Miller in an acting capacity. According to Business Insider, even lawmakers who were previously critical of Esper's policies were taken aback. Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) said Trump's 'childish' and 'reckless' firing before the projected presidential transition in January could destabilize the Pentagon. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was blunt with her remarks in a brief statement. The abrupt firing of Secretary Esper is disturbing evidence that President Trump is intent on using his final days in office to sow chaos in our American Democracy and around the world. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Just days before being canned by President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper denied serving as the president's yes-man in the Pentagon. According to Business Insider, Esper told the Military Times he challenges the president more than any other Cabinet-level leader. President Donald Trump fired Esper Monday, providing no reason. However, the president has previously purged officials for a perceived lack of loyalty. Esper and the Commander in Chief have locked horns on numerous issues, most notably over Esper's order to cease flying the Confederate flag on US military bases. Also, Esper also tried to distance himself from a politically-charged photo op, in which Trump awkwardly clutched a Bible in front of a church near the White House. Federal troops pepper-sprayed peaceful protesters in Lafayette Park, so the way would be cleared for Trump, Esper, and other officials to walk to the church.
US Defence Secretary Ash Carter spoke at a press conference at Joint Base Andrews, Washington DC on Wednesday to share the progress of the anti-ISIL coalition talks held the same day. He reiterated that the anti-IS campaign's primary focus was the downfall of Mosul and Raqqa but stressed that the rebuilding and governance of the territory was also a significant strategic priority.