Trump Defense Secretary Mark Esper Warns About Dangers Of Second Trump Term

Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper spoke out against Donald Trump and other Washington Republicans, urging for greater support for Ukraine as its war with Russia continues.

When asked by CBS’ Margaret Brennan what he thinks Americans should expect of U.S. foreign policy if Trump is elected in 2024, Esper responded, “I suspect that he will do what he says.”

“He will somehow attempt to negotiate a deal between Russia and Ukraine, and that won’t fly,” Esper continued. “There’s only one person that can end this conflict in Ukraine, and that’s Vladimir Putin, and he’s not about to do that anytime soon.”

Trump has frequently voiced concern that the U.S. is spending too much time and money on assisting Ukraine. He has also stated that, if elected for a second term, he would have the power to end the war “within 24 hours.”

“So I suspect Trump will quickly move to end funding for Ukraine, and then at some point, he’s also going to move to withdraw funding for NATO,” Esper explained, “and maybe even pull out of NATO, which would be disastrous for United States national security.”

Esper also commented on Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-Alabama) hold on hundreds of military nominees in protest against a Department of Defense policy on abortion, which allows military members to take paid time off to receive reproductive care.

“We just look really dysfunctional,” the former Secretary of Defense said, “and we’re harming our own readiness in the process when we look across the international environment.”