More resign after Trump fires defense chief

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Pentagon announced a string of resignations Tuesday, a day after US President Donald Trump tweeted his dismissal of Defense Secretary Mark Esper.

"Today, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. James Anderson, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security Mr. Joseph Kernan and Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense Jen Stewart submitted letters of resignation," it said in a statement.

The trio announced their resignations effective immediately.

"I want to thank Dr. Anderson, Admiral Kernan and Jen Stewart for their service to the nation and the Department," said Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller.

"Over their careers, each has contributed greatly to the national defense and the future of the Department of Defense. We wish them the best in their next endeavors," he added.

According to the statement, Anthony Tata, Ezra Cohen-Watnick and Kash Patel have been promoted to the roles.

Trump said Monday he had "terminated" Esper and replaced him with Miller, who was serving as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center.

Miller, a former Army Special Forces officer, is now the fifth person to lead the Defense Department during the Trump administration's nearly four years.

Trump’s decision to remove Esper came just two days after he was projected to lose this year’s White House race to Democratic rival Joe Biden, who is now the president-elect.