Pentagon leader appeals to Trump to allow military justice cases to proceed unfettered

By Missy Ryan and Josh Dawsey
11/6/2019, 7:14:22 p.m.

Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper appealed to President Trump this week to allow the military justice system to proceed unfettered in a number of high-profile cases, officials said, as concern intensifies among Pentagon leaders that presidential intervention could damage military discipline and morale.

Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, Esper said he had a “robust discussion” with Trump on Tuesday about the cases of three current or former service members charged with war crimes or other wrongdoing. Earlier in the week, Fox News reported that the president was likely to issue pardons or take other actions to assist them.

“I offered, as I do in all matters, the facts, the options, my advice, the recommendations, and we’ll see how things play out,” Esper said.

Officials said the meeting with Trump came a day after Esper convened military service leaders to discuss the cases, which include that of a Navy SEAL acquitted of killing an Islamic State prisoner but convicted on lesser charges. Esper asked his staff to prepare a presentation he could use to lay out the history and details of the cases to Trump.

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