Orders Gallagher keep SEAL pin, ousts Navy secretary who resisted

Trump intervened in the Navy’s disciplinary process for Chief Petty Officer Eddie Gallagher, tweeting that the Navy would “NOT be taking away” his Trident pin after Gallagher’s war-crimes conviction was partially overturned. Defense Secretary Mark Esper ordered Gallagher keep his pin, and at Trump’s direction forced Navy Secretary Richard Spencer to resign after Spencer sought to protect the review process. Spencer’s ouster letter warned the move undermined good order and discipline, highlighting Trump’s willingness to override military justice to reward a political ally.

"The Navy will NOT be taking away Warfighter and Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher’s Trident Pin." — Trump tweet, November 21, 2019; outcome finalized with Spencer’s firing November 24