Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s security detail has been revoked, raising concerns about the safety of high-ranking officials facing international threats.
At a Glance
- Mark Esper’s government-funded security detail has been removed amid Iranian threats
- The decision follows a pattern of security cuts for former Trump administration officials
- Esper was fired by Trump in 2020 after policy disagreements
- The White House suggests former officials can obtain private security if needed
- The move raises questions about prioritizing personal security over political differences
Pentagon Yanks Esper’s Security Detail
The Pentagon has revoked former Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s taxpayer-funded security detail, despite ongoing threats from Iran following the 2020 U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani. This decision comes as part of a broader pattern of security cuts for former high-ranking officials from the Trump administration, including ex-National Security Advisor John Bolton and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Esper, who was fired by President Trump in November 2020 after disagreements over military deployment and the renaming of bases named after Confederate leaders, has since been critical of Trump’s efforts to contest the 2020 election results. The removal of his security detail raises questions about the prioritization of personal safety in light of international threats versus political affiliations and past disagreements.
🚨🇺🇸 TRUMP REVOKES SECURITY DETAIL FOR FORMER DEFENSE SECRETARY MARK ESPER
Trump has revoked the security detail for Mark Esper, the former defense secretary, despite ongoing threats from Iran over actions taken during Trump’s first term.
Esper was serving under Trump at the… pic.twitter.com/2UsYxh8NEf
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 6, 2025
President Trump has taken a firm stance against providing lifelong taxpayer-funded protection for former officials. In addition to Esper, Bolton, and Pompeo, other high-ranking officials such as former U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley have also lost their security details.
The White House has defended these decisions, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating, “There’s nothing stopping these individuals from obtaining private security.”
“When you have protection, you can’t have it for the rest of your life,” Trump also said about the news.
Strained Relationships and Political Fallout
The relationship between Trump and Esper had been notably strained, with Trump reportedly referring to Esper derogatorily as “Yesper.” Following his termination, Esper penned a memoir criticizing Trump’s administration, describing his term as chaotic and labeling the President as “unprincipled.”
The political fallout from these security cuts extends beyond just Esper. On Inauguration Day, portraits of both Milley and Esper were removed from the Pentagon, symbolizing a clear break from the previous administration. Additionally, current Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has requested a review of Milley’s conduct during the Trump administration, potentially leading to further consequences for the former Joint Chiefs Chairman.
Trump is really doing things right this time.
