In this April 2, 2019, file photo, Secretary of the Army Mark Esper speaks during a House Armed Services Committee budget hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.In the end, Esper defended Trump's directive to have Gallagher retire as a SEAL, saying the case had been going on for months and "must end." He said that while he believes in the military justice process, the Trident review board would have placed Gallagher's fate in the hands of three non-commissioned officers who would have then been criticized for their decision, no matter what it was.
Esper said he wants the Navy and the SEALs to "move beyond this now."
"They wanted to take his pin away, and I said, "No, you're not going to take it away.” Trump told reporters on Monday. "He was a great fighter."
"He was one of the ultimate fighters, tough guy," said Trump of Gallagher. "These are not weak people. These are tough people. And we're gonna protect our war fighters."
"We're going to protect our warfighters," said Trump. "And I've been given a lot thank-yous. "
Trump said that included from some of the members of Delta Force who carried out the raid targeting ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
"They were very thankful," said Trump. "Somebody has their back, and it's called the president of the U.S., OK? We've got their back."
Trump tweeted Sunday night, "I was not pleased with the way that Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher's trial was handled by the Navy. He was treated very badly but, despite this, was completely exonerated on all major charges. I then restored Eddie's rank. Likewise, large cost overruns from past administration's contracting procedures were not addressed to my satisfaction. Therefore, Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer's services have been terminated by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. I thank Richard for his service & commitment. Eddie will retire peacefully with all of the honors that he has earned, including his Trident Pin."
Gallagher thanked Trump for his actions in a statement provided by his lawyer, first reported by Fox News.
"President Donald Trump you have my deepest gratitude and thanks," he said on Sunday in the statement. "You stepped in numerous times and showed true moral fiber by correcting all the wrongs that were being done to me. You are a true leader and exactly what the military and this nation needs."
Kaynak:Abcnews