Special Poll
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper Supports John Kelly’s Claims About Trump’s Fascist Tendencies
Mark Esper, who served as Secretary of Defense under former President Donald Trump, expressed support for John Kelly’s recent remarks, agreeing that Trump fits the definition of a fascist.
Speaking to CNN on Wednesday, Esper said he had no reason to question Kelly’s “honesty or integrity” regarding Trump’s past comments. He urged viewers to review the definition of fascism, as Kelly suggested, and consider whether Trump’s behavior aligns with those characteristics.
“It’s difficult to argue otherwise when you examine those terms,” Esper stated. “He certainly has those tendencies, and it’s something we should be cautious about.”
Kelly, who served both as Trump’s Chief of Staff and Secretary of Homeland Security, recently shared in interviews with The New York Times and The Atlantic that Trump is “undoubtedly authoritarian.” Kelly recounted that Trump once told him he wished he had the loyalty of “German generals,” referring specifically to “Hitler’s generals.” Kelly said Trump’s recent remarks about using the military against his political adversaries prompted him to speak out.
The Trump campaign dismissed Kelly’s comments as “debunked” and “fabricated” in statements to the media.
Esper acknowledged that while he hadn’t experienced the same incidents as Kelly and others, he did recall Trump being “very uncomfortable” with publicly showcasing America’s wounded veterans. “Trump felt they should be hidden,” Esper said, adding that his view, along with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was that these were “America’s heroes” and that it was essential to honor them publicly.
When asked about potential safeguards to prevent Trump from using the military against political opponents, Esper expressed confidence in the integrity of the military. “I fully trust that the uniformed officers will uphold their oath to the Constitution and will not pledge personal loyalty to the president. My concern remains with protecting the institution itself,” he added.