Politics Nov 09 Trump terminates Secretary of Defense Mark Esper President Donald Trump says he has fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper. It's a stunning move on the heels of Trump’s failed reelection bid. It could also unsettle U.S. allies and partners. By Robert Burns, Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press
Nation Sep 10 WATCH: Pentagon hosts 9/11 remembrance ceremony Americans commemorated 9/11 on Friday as a new national crisis — the coronavirus pandemic — reconfigured anniversary ceremonies and a presidential campaign carved a path through the observances. By Associated Press
Politics Aug 05 U.S. officials dispute Trump's claim that Beirut was attacked U.S. officials say there is no indication that a massive explosion in Lebanon that killed at least 100 people was an attack. That contradicts President Donald Trump who said American generals told him it was likely caused by a bomb. By Lolita C. Baldor, Deb Reichmann, Associated Press
World Jul 29 WATCH: U.S. to bring 6,400 troops home from Germany, move 5,400 more to other countries The announcement is closely tied to the plan to increase the U.S. troop presence in Poland, a shift long-desired by Warsaw and Polish President Andrzej Duda. By Associated Press
Jul 21 Esper says U.S. considering troop 'adjustments' in South Korea By Robert Burns, Associated Press Defense Secretary Mark Esper says he has issued no order to reduce U.S. troop levels in South Korea but is considering “adjustments” in the American presence globally. Continue reading
Jul 17 WATCH: Defense officials hold virtual town hall after Pentagon bans Confederate flag By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press The town hall meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Army Gen. Mark Milley, the nation's top military officer, are expected to attend. Watch their remarks here. Continue reading
Jul 17 Pentagon bans Confederate flag in way to avoid Trump's wrath By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press The Pentagon is banning displays of the Confederate flag on military installations, using a carefully worded policy that doesn’t mention the word ban or that specific flag. The policy is laid out in a memo signed by Defense Secretary Mark… Continue reading
Jul 09 WATCH: Milley, Esper testify on military's role handling civilian protests By Robert Burns, Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press The Pentagon’s top leaders are going before Congress for the first time in months. Continue reading
Jun 11 Gen. Mark Milley says he was wrong to accompany Trump on church walk By Robert Burns, Associated Press The nation's top military officer says it was a mistake for him to have been in Lafayette Square with President Donald Trump last week. Continue reading