The Pentagon leaders addressed questions from Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, in a letter on Wednesday, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post. High-profile retired military leaders also publicly chided Esper, Trump’s second defense secretary, for describing a need to “dominate the battlespace” in reference to cities experiencing unrest. About 3,800 National Guard troops from states including Florida and Idaho were sent to Washington last week at Esper’s request. Despite Trump’s statement as unrest mounted that Milley was “in charge,” the Pentagon leaders stated in their letter that he was not. ADAlthough National Guard forces under Defense Department command were present at the scene, they “did not actively participate in the clearing of Lafayette Park,” the officials said.

Source: Washington Post June 11, 2020 02:49 UTC