Donald Trump Fires Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Appoints Christopher Miller In Acting Role

Donald Trump, in one of his first major acts as a lame duck president, has fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper.

The president said Monday that he has named Christopher Miller, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, as his acting replacement.

“I am pleased to announce that Christopher C. Miller, the highly respected Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (unanimously confirmed by the Senate), will be Acting Secretary of Defense, effective immediately…..Chris will do a GREAT job! Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service.”

Trump’s action signaled potentially months of turmoil during the presidential transition period, with other administration figures, including FBI director Christopher Wray and even Attorney General William Barr, reportedly cited as the source of the president’s unhappiness.

The president has not conceded the election, and has made unfounded and false claims about fraudulent voting and that another term was being stolen from him.

Trump was unhappy with Esper, as there were reports that he was preparing a resignation letter. In June, Esper tried to distance himself from involvement in Trump’s now infamous walk across Lafayette Park after protesters were cleared, with authorities using tear gas and other means to force demonstrators to leave.

Related Deadline Video:

More from Deadline

• 'Last Week Tonight': John Oliver Recaps Election Results, Celebrates Biden & Harris Historic Win And Trump's Loss

• 'The Daily Show': Trevor Noah Praises Return To "Speeches That Sound Like Speeches" Upon Biden-Harris Election

• 'Late Night With Seth Meyers' Recaps Joe Biden's Election Win: "Our Long National Acid Trip Is Almost Over"

Best of Deadline

• U.S. Coronavirus Update: Cases Surpass 10 Million Nationwide As Global Total Hits 50 Million

• Coronavirus: Movies That Have Halted Or Delayed Production Amid Outbreak

• Hong Kong Filmart Postponed Due To Coronavirus Fears; Event Moves Two Weeks Before Toronto

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.