Trump's unusual order on inauguration day

Nearly 8,000 National Guard troops protecting the capital Washington will lose their commander in chief while they are on duty ensuring security for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

Commander of the National Guard in Washington, Major Errol R. Schwartz (center). (Photo:RT)

Under orders from President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in on January 20, the commander of the Washington National Guard, Major Errol R. Schwartz, will be relieved of his duties at 12:01 p.m. on January 20, the Washington Post reported. This means that Mr. Schwartz will no longer be in charge of the 2,700 soldiers of the Air National Guard and the District of Columbia Army during the inauguration, as well as 5,000 unarmed soldiers from 40 states.

“The timing of my termination was very unusual,” Schwartz told the Washington Post. “My subordinates were still on the road. I saw them leave, but I couldn’t welcome them back.” He added that he never intended to leave mid-service. But he also said with regret: “I am a soldier. I was appointed by the president, so the president has the right to remove me.”

Commenting on the “unusual” dismissal, the President of the Washington City Council said: “It is difficult to understand the decision to terminate the commander in chief in the middle of his service. He is really good for the community, my impression is that he is good for the National Guard.”

It is common for former administration officials to resign before the next president is sworn in. Mr. Schwartz, 65, was appointed as commander of the National Guard by President George W. Bush in 2008 and submitted his resignation as President Barack Obama prepared to take office in early 2009. However, Mr. Schwartz’s resignation was not accepted. Instead, Mr. Schwartz will have to resign on Inauguration Day under President-elect Trump.

Schwartz is not the only person to be fired as soon as Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States. Trump’s transition team had previously issued an order requiring many ambassadors nominated by President Obama to leave their jobs by January 20.

Mr. Trump's decision comes as the United States prepares for his inauguration with unprecedented security measures. An estimated 28,000 public servants will be deployed, including 10,000 from the Department of Homeland Security, 12,000 federal agency employees, 2,800 local police officers... Security costs for Mr. Trump's inauguration are estimated to cost up to $100 million.

According to Dan Tri