[SECNAV was hoping to give the illusion that Admiral Green was able to oppose Trump and disobey his orders, while in reality, the board was to be a kangaroo court. That is NOT acceptable.]
He was trying to stay consistent with the statements of his direct boss, Esper, who wanted Gallagher drummed out of the military. Since this was in conflict with Trump’s tweet, Spencer communicated to the White House that he was going to rig the review in Gallagher’s favor. Trump had to get rid of one of them. He chose Spencer, presumably because Esper’s dick move is compensated for by his competence and/or loyalty in other areas. Wouldn’t be the first time that a fall guy was unfairly fired.
https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2019/11/23/esper-milley-raise-concern-white-house-navy-seal-status-edward-gallagher-nr-vpx.cnn
[Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley have raised serious concerns with the White House after President Donald Trump signaled he would block the Navy from ejecting Eddie Gallagher from the SEALs, an administration official told CNN.]
Spencer was on the record Friday opening defying the President. He is not the good guy here.
That is an auto fail move right there. You don't have to like the order, you don't get to challenge it in the media.
Navy Secretary Richard Spencer said on Friday a Navy SEAL convicted of battlefield misconduct should face a board of peers weighing whether to oust him from the elite force, despite President Donald Trump's assertion that he not be expelled.