ACCESSING CLASSIFIED FILES
Decrypting documents...
Your connection is being monitored
Back to Individuals
medium risk
Mark Thomas Esper
27th Secretary of Defense
Former Secretary of Defense (2019-2020)
Overview
Secretary of Defense who was fired by Trump after the 2020 election. Publicly opposed using active-duty military against protesters after Lafayette Square. Wrote memoir revealing Trump asked about shooting protesters and using missiles on drug labs in Mexico.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Fired by Trump after opposing election challenge
Revealed Trump asked about shooting protesters
Revealed Trump asked about bombing Mexico
Opposed Insurrection Act against protesters
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Donald Trump
Fired him
Mark Milley
Chairman of Joint Chiefs
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- April 26, 1964
- Birthplace
- Uniontown, Pennsylvania
Education
- •U.S. Military Academy at West Point (B.S.)
- •Harvard University (M.P.A.)
- •George Washington University (Ph.D.)
Key Timeline
July 2019
Confirmed as Secretary of Defense
June 1, 2020
Present for Lafayette Square photo-op
June 3, 2020
Publicly opposes Insurrection Act use
November 9, 2020
Fired by Trump via tweet
2022
Publishes memoir with explosive revelations