Esper Supports ‘Tough Decision’ Of Firing Captain Who Warned Of COVID-19 Spread

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 01: U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks about military operations during the daily White House coronavirus press briefing April 1, 2020 in Washington, DC. After announcing yesterday tha... WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 01: U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks about military operations during the daily White House coronavirus press briefing April 1, 2020 in Washington, DC. After announcing yesterday that COVID-19 could kill between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans, the Trump administration is also contending with the economic effects of the outbreak as the stock market continues to fall, businesses remain closed, and companies lay off and furlough employees. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) MORE LESS
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Defense Secretary Mark Esper defended the firing of the Navy captain who was relieved of command after raising concerns over the spread of COVID-19 on his ship, during Sunday morning interviews.

On Thursday, acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly announced Captain Brett Crozier was relieved of command due to showing “extremely poor judgment” by sending out a memo to Navy higher-ups about the dire COVID-19 infection rate on his ship.

When pressed by CNN’s Jake Tapper about Crozier’s ouster, Esper said that Modly made “a very tough decision” that he supports.

“It was supported by Navy leadership,” Esper said. “And I think it’s just another example how we hold leaders accountable for their actions.”

Esper added that “there is an investigation ongoing” into the reasoning behind Crozier’s firing, before saying that Modly lacked “faith and confidence” that Crozier could continue in his position as captain of the ship.

“That is not unheard of,” Esper said. “All the services at time relieve commanders without the benefit of an investigation up front because they have lost confidence in them.”

Esper argued that the lack of an investigation is “certainly not unique” to the Navy, which he said has “a culture of swiftly and decisively removing captains if they lose confidence in them.”

When asked about Modly reportedly telling a colleague that President Trump wanted Crozier fired, Esper insisted that the firing was solely Modly’s decision.

“He briefed me about it,” Esper said. “And I took the advice of the CNO and General Milley with regard to it. And I told him I would support his decision.”

Watch Esper’s remarks on CNN below:

Esper shared a similar view on ABC News Sunday morning as well, saying that Modly made a “tough call” and that he has “full faith and confidence” in him.

Watch Esper’s remarks on ABC News below:

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