“Yes, It Concerns Me”: Former Defense Secretary Warns of Trump’s Threat to Use Military Against Political Opponents

Donald Trump’s former Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, voiced serious concerns on CNN Monday night over Trump’s alarming statements about using military force against “enemies from within.” In an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Esper emphasized that he is taking Trump’s remarks “seriously,” especially given the former president’s past rhetoric about using the military for political purposes.

Trump, during an interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures, described his political opponents as “radical left lunatics” and “sick people.” He went further, suggesting the National Guard or even the military could be deployed against them. “I think the bigger problem is the people from within. We have some very bad people.

We have some sick people. Radical left lunatics,” Trump said. “I think it should be very easily handled by, if necessary, by National Guard, or if really necessary, by the military, because they can’t let that happen.” In response to these comments, Esper, who served as Trump’s Secretary of Defense, told Collins, “Absolutely.

He’s spoken about this before. If you recall, a year or so ago, he spoke about a second term being about retribution, so yes, I do think we should take those words seriously.” Esper also reflected on past experiences with Trump, reminding viewers that Trump once asked whether protesters during the 2020 demonstrations against police brutality could be shot.

When asked if he feared Trump would use the National Guard against Americans, Esper replied, “Yes, I do, of course, because I lived through that.” He recalled Trump’s desire to deploy military force in cities like Seattle, Portland, and Chicago, where protests and unrest had occurred. “What equally concerns me about his comment would be the use of the military in these types of things,” Esper said, reiterating his worry over the potential misuse of U.S. military forces.

However, Esper shared what he referred to as “the good news.” He explained that Trump does not have the legal authority to use the military against U.S. citizens unless there is a civil disobedience or insurrection, in which case the Insurrection Act could be invoked.

“But otherwise, these other roles that he’s described in the past are law enforcement, and that is prescribed under the Posse Comitatus Act, so he would not be able to use it,” Esper clarified. When Collins expressed disbelief that a former defense secretary could be concerned about a president using the military against citizens, Esper pointed to Trump’s desire for loyalty from those around him.

“I think loyalty will be the first litmus test,” said Esper. “So, yes, it concerns me on many levels, not least of which is the impact it could have on American citizens. It’s the impact on the institution of the military.” Esper concluded by reaffirming his belief that Trump is “unfit” for the presidency, stating that Trump “puts himself before the country.”