Not for the first time, President Donald Trump erupted late last week. This time it was in response to a move made by Defense Secretary Mark Esper.<br />Esper had issued a new military-wide directive that was a de facto ban on the display of the Confederate flag.<br />CNN reports sources say Trump was fuming over Esper's carefully worded memo that did not mention the flag by name.<br />However, he effectively banned it from being flown on military installations by not naming it.<br />According to CNN, Trump has declined to denounce the Confederate flag in recent weeks.<br />Instead, he's said those who see it as a source of pride should be able to continue flying it, as a matter of free speech.<br />Esper's job remains safe for now, though the relationship between the two has significantly deteriorated in recent months.<br />What's telling is what Esper is not saying. In a 10-minute thank-you video for troops, he didn't mention the commander in chief once.
