does not alter that fundamental foundation of the u.s. military. but there is also concern that spencer went outside the box. that he went to the president behind the pentagon's back to try and cut a deal on all of this to preserve gallagher's s.e.a.l. status. have a little more of a listen to what spencer has to say and what defense secretary mark esper's response to the situation is. >> i will take the bad on me for not letting him know i did that. but he was completely informed as to this because his chief of staff was briefed on it. >> secretary spencer broke these rules. that's lost my trust in confidence. contrary to the narrative that some have put forward in the meedia, this is not about eddie gallagher. it's about secretary spencer and the chain of command. >> now even this morning, top officials at the pentagon are disputing spencer's account and