Is there any credible evidence corroborating the story that SecNav Spencer secretly

[Atticus]

spoke with Trump about the Gallagher situation behind Esper's back?

In other words, "Says who?" besides Trump?

[exboyfil]

1. I bet Trump called Spencer directly

That is the genesis of the story, and whatever Spencer said could both be twisted and would have been said under a high degree of pressure.

In that case he should have done what Comey did (of course it didn't save him), and summarize the discussion in a memo sent immediately to his supervisor (SecDef). Probably another copy to whatever ever oversight/watchdog available in SecDef organization.

Or he could try to hide behind shrubbery like Comey tried to do (it didn't work either).

[comradebillyboy]

2. Try the Washington Post

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2019/11/25/pentagon-chief-says-he-was-flabbergasted-by-navy-secretarys-attempt-make-private-deal-with-trump/

Pentagon chief says he was ‘flabbergasted’ by Navy secretary’s attempt to make a private deal with Trump

Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said on Monday he was “flabbergasted” that his Navy secretary tried to make a secret deal with the White House in which a Navy SEAL accused of war crimes could retire as a member of the elite force if President Trump stayed out of the case.

The offer by Richard V. Spencer, who was ousted by Esper on Sunday, contradicted what he had told Esper and other senior defense officials in recent days: that he was considering resigning if Trump forced the issue, Esper said.

Esper said that when he met with Army and Navy leaders a few weeks ago to discuss the cases of the SEAL, Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher, and two U.S. soldiers, they all agreed to rely on the military’s legal system and administrative processes.

[C_U_L8R]

3. Sounds like a trumpian bullshit coverstory

It doesn't even make sense that the Secretary of the Navy would want a 'deal'. That's trumpspeak.

[Atticus]

4. I know what Esper said about the "secret deal", but who told him about it ? Trump? nt

[Dennis Donovan]

5. Christ, I am *sick* of this duplicitous nonsense from every corner of this administration. n/t