Sexiste, Pro-Gun Fox News Star: Who Is Trump's Secretary of Defense?
Mark Esper's Journey From Lobbyist to the Pentagon's Top Job
Mark Esper, the former Secretary of the Army, was sworn in as the 27th Secretary of Defense on July 23, 2019. A retired Army officer, Esper has a long history in defense and national security, having served in various roles in the George W. Bush administration and as a lobbyist for defense contractors.
Esper's appointment as Secretary of Defense was met with some controversy, as he has been criticized for his close ties to the defense industry and his lack of experience in diplomacy and foreign policy. However, Esper has defended his qualifications, saying that his experience in the military and the private sector has prepared him for the challenges of leading the Pentagon.
Esper's Policy Positions
As Secretary of Defense, Esper has overseen the implementation of several major policy initiatives, including the withdrawal of US troops from Syria and the development of a new strategy for countering China's military rise. Esper has also been a vocal critic of Iran, calling for a more aggressive approach to deterring Iranian aggression.
Withdrawal of US Troops From Syria
In October 2019, Esper announced that the US would be withdrawing all of its troops from Syria. The decision was made after President Trump spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about Turkey's plans to launch a military offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Esper said that the US would not support Turkey's operation and that the US troops would be withdrawn from the area.
Development of a New Strategy for Countering China
In May 2020, Esper unveiled a new strategy for countering China's military rise. The strategy calls for the US to increase its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, invest in new technologies, and strengthen its alliances with regional partners. Esper said that the US must be prepared to deter and, if necessary, defeat Chinese aggression.
Criticism of Iran
Esper has been a vocal critic of Iran, calling for a more aggressive approach to deterring Iranian aggression. In September 2019, Esper said that the US was prepared to use military force against Iran if necessary to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons or attacking US interests. Esper also said that the US would continue to support the Iranian people in their efforts to overthrow the Iranian regime.
Esper's Challenges
As Secretary of Defense, Esper faces a number of challenges, including the ongoing war in Afghanistan, the rise of China, and the threat of terrorism. Esper has said that he is committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring the security of the United States and its allies.
