Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher provided an exclusive statement to Fox News’ Pete Hegseth following President Donald Trump’s and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper’s confirmation that Gallagher would retire as a SEAL and retain the symbol of his membership – the Trident Pin.
First, I want to give all the glory in the fight to God. He has been watching over my family and I, keeping us strong and humble throughout this fight. “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.”
I want to thank my beautiful and amazing wife Andrea, our children, and my incredible and loyal little brother Sean. You have fought tooth and nail for me from the beginning and it is because of you we have won this 2-year battle. You are my heroes.
I was blessed with an amazing legal team who have become like family. Tim, Marc, Bernie, we will be friends for life. Thank you for fighting by my side.
Thank you to Ralph Norman & Duncan Hunter, two members of Congress that fought tirelessly for justice for our family. You both went against the narrative that was being portrayed and spoke out for me. All of your advocating did not go unnoticed and paid off.
To all of my brig crew, you will have no idea what it meant to me when you took the time out of your weekends to come and visit with me. You are one loyal crew and I love you.
It was humbling to see all the veterans and veterans’ companies come to my aid and support me. Half Face Blades, Nine Line Apparel, Forged, Recon/Sniper Foundation, Black Rifle Coffee Company and Pete Hegseth … you are true patriots.
Lastly… President Donald Trump, you have my deepest gratitude and thanks. You stepped in numerous times and showed true moral fiber by correcting all the wrongs that were being done to me. You are a true leader and exactly what the military and this nation needs. God bless you and your family.
The statement comes after a shakeup in the Navy involving the termination of Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer, a move ordered by Esper. Spencer was accused of holding secret White House talks of intervening in the Gallagher case without Esper’s knowledge.
Esper said he was “deeply troubled by this conduct” and “determined that Secretary Spencer no longer has my confidence to continue in his position.”
“Secretary Esper has directed that Gallagher retain his Trident pin,” a Pentagon statement said on Sunday.
President Trump also confirmed this in a tweet on Sunday evening, saying, “Eddie will retire peacefully with all of the honors that he has earned, including his Trident Pin.”
Further, on Monday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley backed Esper’s decision to end the previously ordered Trident Review and referred to the matter as “case closed.”
Trump had reinstated Gallagher’s rank and expunged his record on Nov. 15 so Gallagher could retire honorably after he was cleared of charges of murdering an ISIS fighter, and charged with posing for a photo with that ISIS fighter’s corpse – despite 10 other members of Alpha Platoon, SEAL Team 7 doing so without charge.
