Defense Secretary Mark Esper

The president has taken a series of abrupt moves, firing the defense secretary and announcing troop cutbacks in Afghanistan and Iraq. Critics say these actions have no clear strategic goal.

Uniformed police are generally not allowed around polling places, and the Pentagon doesn't want to get involved. Still, they're getting ready if things get out of control.

The Pentagon said the paper would shut down by Sept. 30. Shortly afterward President Trump tweeted that it won't happen "under my watch."

Defense Secretary Mark Esper doesn't actually ban the Confederate flag's display. He simply lists the flags that can be shown by the military, and the controversial banner is not on his list.