US Navy Secretary Fired After SEAL Case

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has fired the secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, over the handling of the case of a Navy SEAL convicted of battlefield misconduct in Iraq.

The parting of ways follows talks regarding Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, who was convicted by a military jury of posing with the corpse of a so-called Islamic State group (IS) detainee.

US President Donald Trump suggested the case was a factor in Mr Spencer's resignation, which was submitted at Mr Esper's request.

According to a Pentagon spokesperson, Mr Esper had lost confidence in Richard Spencer "regarding his lack of candour" in discussions with the White House regarding the case.

In a letter to President Trump, Mr Spencer acknowledged his termination - defending the need to maintain "good order and discipline throughout the ranks".

"The rule of law is what sets us apart from our adversaries," he wrote.

"Unfortunately it has become apparent that in this respect, I no longer share the same understanding with the Commander in Chief who appointed me."

President Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to address the Pentagon departure, saying cost overruns from previous administrations were not addressed to Mr Trump's satisfaction.

Kenneth John Braithwaite II was also declared the latest nomination for the job.

"Secretary Spencer had previously and privately proposed to the White House - contrary to Spencer’s public position - to restore Gallagher’s rank and allow him to retire with his Trident pin,” said Pentagon Spokesman Jonathan Hoffman.

Calls for Mr Spencer's resignation followed Mr Esper "losing trust and confidence in him regarding his lack of candor over conversations with the White House".

Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the U.S. Senate, praised the former US Navy Secretary for "standing up to President Trump when he was wrong", adding that others in the Republican Party are scared to do so.