Donald Trump says he has fired defence secretary

US President Donald Trump says defence secretary Mark Esper has been dismissed and Christopher Miller, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, will take up the role in an acting capacity, effective immediately.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper with US President Donald Trump on 15 May, 2020. Photo: AFP

“I am pleased to announce that Christopher C. Miller, the highly respected Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (unanimously confirmed by the Senate), will be Acting Secretary of Defense, effective immediately,” Trump said on Twitter.

“Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service,” Trump said.

The Pentagon had no immediate comment.

Esper had long been preparing for the prospect of his resignation or dismissal following the 3 November election, particularly if Trump were to win a second term in office, sources said.

Trump has steadfastly refused to acknowledge his election loss.

Esper angered Trump particularly by opposing Trump’s threat to use active duty troops to suppress street protests over racial injustice in the United States during the summer.

Esper also disagreed with Trump’s dismissive attitude toward the NATO alliance, sources said.

– Reuters