[It’s not unfair for Spencer to “take the fall” for going behind his superior’s back- and over his head.
You just can’t do that.]
Esper wanted Gallagher drummed out of the military and his pension revoked. Trump wanted Gallagher’s rank restored. Spencer tried to resolve the tension between these contradictory objectives by going around Esper’s back - he made a public statement in line with Esper’s declaration, while mollifying Trump’s objections by rigging Gallagher’s review so he would be cleared.
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.
Well summarized!
You can’t do that.
Your boss can’t have it, and his boss can’t have it.
And “playing” Trump is an insane plan.