Donald Trump suspends Defence Secretary Mark Esper
Published : 10 Nov 2020, 15:33
"Defense Secretary Mark Esper has been sacked by President Donald Trump, revealing on Twitter that the top US official has been" terminated.
The current head of the National Counterterrorism Center, Christopher Miller, will immediately assume the role, the BBC announced.
It follows a public fall-out in recent weeks between Mr Trump and Mr Esper.
To date, Mr. Trump has not given President-elect Joe Biden the US election and has threatened to contest the anticipated outcome in court.
Mr Trump is also empowered to make choices in the weeks before Mr Biden assumes office on 20 January.
On Monday, shortly after Mr. Trump declared his firing, Mr. Miller was seen entering the Department of Defense headquarters at the Pentagon.
Prior to becoming director of the Counterterrorism Centre in August, the former Special Forces soldier served on President Trump's National Security Council.
In a resignation letter, Mr Esper thanked members of the Armed Forces and said he was proud of his achievements in 18 months of service at the Pentagon.