NEW: Trump ordered Pentagon to let Navy SEAL keep Trident pin
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to let a Navy SEAL convicted of battlefield misconduct keep his Trident pin designating him as a member of the elite force, instead of holding a review board, his defense secretary said on Monday.
After restoring Gallagher's rank on Nov. 15, Trump on Sunday gave a formal order to halt the military's plans to hold a review board, Esper said. Esper said he had been in favor of following the regular processes but stressed that, as president, Trump had"every right, authority and privilege to do what he wants to do."
Esper gave new detail about why he fired Spencer, saying the Navy chief had sought to cut a side deal with the White House that was"contrary to what we had agreed to and contrary to Secretary Spencer's public position" -- in which he appeared to favor allowing the military justice process to go ahead.
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