White House says Esper still Defense Secretary after he opposes invoking Insurrection Act

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that Mark Esper is “still” Defense Secretary after he broke with US President Donald Trump on use of active-duty military troops to control protests. McEnany was asked at a White House press briefing wher Trump has still confidence in Esper following Pentagon chief’s remark on use of military, which was in conflict with US President’s view.

“I would say if he (Trump) lose his confidence in Secretary Esper, I’m sure you all will be first to kw...As of right w, Secretary Esper is still Secretary Esper and should President lose faith we will all learn about that in future,” said McEnany.

Currently, US National Guard, reserve components of US Army and Air Forces, has been deployed across nation to handle ongoing Black Lives Matter protests. However, US President has been calling for deployment of active-duty military troops by invoking Insurrection Act.

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'Only as last resort'

Speaking at a news conference, Pentagon chief, who has served in National Guard, said that he is very proud of men and women of National Guard who are on streets to perform important task at risk of ir own welfare. However, Esper me it clear that he doesn’t support invoking Insurrection Act.

“ option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort and only in most urgent and dire of situations. We are t in one of those situations w. I do t support invoking Insurrection Act,” said Defense Secretary.

Esper also condemned custodial killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and said that officers on scene should be held accountable for his murder. Calling issue of racism in United States “real”, Defense Secretary ded that everyone should do ir very best recognise it, confront it and ericate it.

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(Im credit: AP)