My Family, My Flag And My Faith

The rule of law is what sets us apart from our adversaries.  Good order and discipline is what has enabled our victory against foreign tyranny time and again ....  The Constitution, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, are the shields that set us apart, and the beacons that protect us all.

Unfortunately, it has become apparent that in this respect, I no longer share the same understanding with the Commander in Chief who appointed me, in regards to the key principle of good order and discipline.  I cannot in good conscience obey an order that I believe violates the sacred oath I took in the presence of my family, my flag and my faith to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

I hereby acknowledge my termination as United States Secretary of the Navy, to be effective immediately.

-- Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer, in his resignation letter resulting from a dispute over his handling of the case of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, whose demotion had been reversed by President Donald Trump, 25 November 2019