11.13.20

As President Trump Purges Pentagon, Durbin Speaks With Acting Defense Secretary Miller

SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today had a call with Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller following President Donald Trump’s firing of Defense Secretary Mark Esper and other top Pentagon leaders earlier this week.  During the call, Durbin spoke with Acting Secretary Miller about the serious threats facing our country and the need to maintain stability at the Department of Defense during the transition of Administration.

“When President Trump fired Defense Secretary Esper, he threatened the continuity of our national security policy.  President Trump’s latest temper tantrum puts at risk a smooth transition in one of the most critical areas of our government and creates an opening for our adversaries,” Durbin said.  “Today, I expressed to Acting Secretary Miller my concern over reports that additional removals could be coming down the pipeline and urged him to provide steady leadership at the Pentagon in the waning days of the Trump Administration.”

Of the top eight civilian officials at the Defense Department, five are serving in acting capacities. 

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