Some Democratic lawmakers are asking the DOD inspector general to look into Richard Spencer’s ouster as Navy secretary. Spencer left his position Nov. 24 after President Trump intervened to ensure a convicted Navy SEAL kept his Trident.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper asked for Spencer’s resignation. Spencer’s resignation letter said he could not “in good conscience obey an order that I believe violated 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.”
As Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) asked for an IG investigation, Republican lawmakers backed the administration.
“Secretary Esper and President Trump deserve to have a leadership team who has their trust and confidence,” Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) said, according to Military.com.
Breaking Defense published what it says is the last interview with Spencer before his departure.
Thomas Modly is the acting secretary of the Navy. President Trump tweeted that he plans to nominate Rear Adm. Kenneth Braithwaite, currently the U.S. ambassador to Norway, as the next Navy secretary.
Navy photo of former Sec. Richard Spencer by Mass Communication Specialist 2^nd Class Timothy Schumaker