Navy secretary temporarily takes over Pentagon’s top job ahead of Esper confirmation hearing

Military Times: Navy Secretary Richard Spencer strode into the defense secretary’s office at the Pentagon on Monday afternoon, in a symbolic changing of responsibility that will allow current Army Secretary Mark Esper to make his case to Congress for promotion to the Defense Department’s top job.

Esper, who has been serving as acting defense secretary since late June, stepped down Monday afternoon just after 3 p.m., once his nomination was formally received by the Senate. He is due in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday morning.

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