NORFOLK, Va. — The former Navy secretary who was fired after criticizing President Donald Trump endorsed Democrat Michael Bloomberg for president on Friday, saying the U.S. needs a leader with integrity who would have “a steady hand on the wheel.”Former Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer announced the endorsement during a campaign event at a maritime center and museum in Norfolk, Virginia. Spencer said he is a “lifelong Republican” who says he's “tremendously concerned” that democracies around the world, and international alliances, are under threat. “I don’t care if you're a Republican, you’re a Democrat or independent, if we are to sustain this experiment we call democracy, America needs the best leader available," Spencer said. “I do believe Mike can get it done.”Spencer was pushed out of his position after he clashed with Trump and military leaders over the fate of Navy Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher, a Navy SEAL who was accused of war crimes in Iraq.

Source: International New York Times February 07, 2020 16:08 UTC