President Donald Trump says he has fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper. It's a stunning move on the heels of Trump’s failed reelection bid. It could also unsettle U.S. allies and partners.

Jim Mattis. Likewise, the Senate voted in 2019 by a 90–8 margin to confirm Trump’s second secretary of defense, Mark Esper. Hegseth first came under fire as sexual assault allegations emerged ...

Nancy A. Youssef is a national security correspondent whose reporting has focused largely on the U.S. military and the Arab world.

John Kelly, former National Security Adviser Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper. McMaster and Esper have written books critical of the former president.

Trump has tasked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem to recommend whether he should ...