OREANDA-NEWS. Pentagon chief Mark Esper asked US Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer to resign due to loss of confidence. It is reported by The Washington Post, citing a statement by the US defense department. According to the Associated Press, citing Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman, Spencer filed for resignation on November 24.

According to The Washington Press, the decision was made due to the loss of confidence in Spencer after the case of the US marine Marie Edward Gallagher, accused of war crimes in Afghanistan. Esper asked the Minister of the Navy to resign after he received information that Spencer privately suggested that White House employees not interfere in the Gallagher affair, in return promising to guarantee Gallagher’s departure from the Navy while retaining the rank.

US President Donald Trump confirmed Spencer's resignation. “Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has terminated the authority of US Navy chief Richard Spencer. I thank Richard for his service and devotion”, Trump wrote, adding that he“ will retire peacefully with all the honors he deserves, including his trident badge”.