Oct 23 Defense secretary in Baghdad to discuss U.S. troops leaving Syria By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press Mark Esper has said that under the current plan, all U.S. troops leaving Syria will go to western Iraq and the military would continue to conduct operations against the Islamic State. Continue reading
Oct 21 Watch 5:30 ‘Trump betrayed us’: Fleeing Kurds condemn U.S. decision to leave Syria By Jane Ferguson As U.S. troops follow President Trump's orders and pull out of northeast Syria, they leave behind men they fought side by side with against the Islamic State group. Amid fears of ethnic cleansing by Turkey, the Kurds have agreed to… Continue watching
Oct 20 Pentagon chief says US troops leaving Syria for western Iraq By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper says that under current plans all U.S. troops leaving Syria will go to western Iraq and the American military will continue to conduct operations against the Islamic State group to prevent its resurgence. Continue reading
Oct 11 WATCH: Esper criticizes Turkish decision to invade Syria as ‘impulsive’ Washington is "greatly disappointed" by the Turkish incursion, Defense Secretary Mark Esper told a Pentagon news conference. Continue reading
Sep 11 WATCH: Trump marks 9/11 anniversary in Pentagon ceremony Americans are commemorating 9/11 with mournful ceremonies, volunteering, and rising attention to the extended toll on responders. President Donald Trump is scheduled to join an observance at the Pentagon, which you can watch live here. Continue reading
Aug 06 Watch 4:37 News Wrap: U.S., China exchange new threats on trade In our news wrap Tuesday, China’s central bank denied manipulating its currency to gain advantage in a trade fight with the U.S. Beijing urged Washington to pull back on trade aggression, but White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow countered that… Continue watching
Jul 23 Senate confirms Mark Esper as secretary of defense By Robert Burns, Associated Press Mark Esper, an Army veteran and former defense industry lobbyist, won Senate confirmation Tuesday by a vote of 90-8, ending the longest period the Pentagon has gone without a confirmed leader in its history. Continue reading
Jul 16 Watch 5:08 News Wrap: Esper criticizes Turkey for purchase of Russian-made air defenses In our news wrap Tuesday, Army Sec. Mark Esper criticized Turkey’s purchase of Russian-made air defenses during his Senate confirmation hearing for defense secretary. Esper called the NATO ally’s decision “very disappointing.” Also, federally funded family planning clinics can no… Continue watching
Jul 16 WATCH: Defense secretary nominee says U.S. should pursue diplomacy with Iran By Robert Burns, Associated Press "I agree we do not want war with Iran," Mark Esper said. "We are not seeking war with Iran. We need to get back on the diplomatic channel."… Continue reading
Jul 15 Trump nominates Esper to be defense chief, succeeding Mattis By Robert Burns, Associated Press The moment the nomination was received by the Senate on Monday afternoon, Esper was required to step out of his role as acting defense secretary — a job he has held since June — until he is confirmed as the… Continue reading