It is notable that Gen Mark Milley stepped out of the photograph in front of St John's with the President to speak with the National Guard troops on the side. I am told by a well placed source that was intentional.
Esper, standing without his Chairman of the Joint Chiefs at the press conference at the Pentagon, said Gen Milley was wearing battle fatigues because they were heading to an ops center at the FBI when asked to come to the White House to brief the President.
Esper released statement last night about how military must remain apolitical after retired military leaders, (Gen Tony Thomas, Gen Martin Dempsey, Adm Mike Mullen, Maj Gen Dana Pittard) criticized term "battle space" and for allowing military to be used for political photo ops.
"I didn't know that we were going to the church, I was not aware a photo op is happening. Of course, the president drags a large press pool along with him. So look I do everything I can to try stay apolitical and try and stay out of situations that may appear political ....
and sometimes I'm successful doing that, and sometimes I'm not as successful but my aim is to keep the department, out of politics": Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Esper said the National Guard did NOT fire rubber bullets or tear gas at the protesters in Lafayette Square.
