Mark Esper
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) Republican Former Cabinet
Summary
Former Secretary of Defense who was fired by Trump in a tweet and later said he would not vote for Trump because he does not meet basic criteria for office.
In Their Own Words
Key Statements
“
No. I would not vote for him.
CNN Situation Room interview
“
Donald Trump doesn't meet those marks for me.
Explaining criteria for office
“
There's no way I'll vote for Trump, but every day that Trump does something crazy, the door to voting for Biden opens a little bit more.
Quoted after appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher
Timeline
November 15, 2017
Confirmed as Secretary of the Army
Joined Trump administration
July 23, 2019
Became Secretary of Defense
Promoted to lead Pentagon
November 9, 2020
Fired by Trump via tweet
Dismissed after resisting Trump's wishes
May 10, 2022
Said he would not vote for Trump
Publicly rejected Trump for 2024
March 29, 2024
Said there was no way he would vote for Trump
Reiterated opposition on national TV
Why This Matters
Credibility & Background
Positions Held
- U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019-2020)
- U.S. Secretary of the Army (2017-2019)
- Vice President of Government Relations, Raytheon (2010-2017)
Awards & Honors
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal
- Kuwait Liberation Medal
Analysis
Reasons for Opposition
- 01 Trump places himself over country
- 02 Trump lacks integrity and principle
- 03 Trump cannot unite the country
Documentation
Sources
Transcript May 10, 2022
CNN Situation Room transcript (May 10, 2022)
https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/sitroom/date/2022-05-10/segment/02
News April 2, 2024
The former Trump aides who don’t support his 2024 presidential bid
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/04/02/trump-aides-wont-vote-for-him/
Explore the full list of Republican officials, military leaders, and former staff who have spoken out against Trump.