Feb 28, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Trump to nominate Kenneth Braithwaite as Navy secretary

Trump waves at the Army-Navy game in Dec. 2019 in Philadelphia PA. Photo: Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

President Trump on Friday formally announced his intent to nominate current U.S. Ambassador to Norway Kenneth Braithwaite as Navy secretary.

Flashback: Trump first floated Braithwaite's nomination in November after ousted Navy Secretary Richard Spencer reportedly told the White House that he would ensure ex-Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher — who was acquitted of war crimes and had a minor charge cleared by Trump — could retire as a SEAL as long as White House officials did not intervene.

What they're saying:

"Ambassador Braithwaite is a distinguished 27-year veteran of the United States Navy and United States Navy Reserve. Ambassador Braithwaite completed his military service in 2011 as the Navy’s Vice Chief of Information. Additionally, he served as Commanding Officer, Joint Public Affairs Expeditionary Support Element (Reserve), Joint Forces Command. In that role, he deployed to Pakistan as the overall Director of Strategic Communications supporting the work of the American Embassy."
— Friday's press release from the White House

Go deeper: Navy secretary fired over handling of Eddie Gallagher case

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