During his presidency, Donald Trump had two Senate-confirmed secretaries of defense. The latest was Mark Esper, who, after leaving the Pentagon, warned the American people that Trump is “unfit” for office, a threat to national security and a “threat to democracy.”
All of this is unprecedented, of course: No former defense secretary has ever made such public comments about a president he worked for.
But let’s not overlook Esper’s predecessor either. Tim Miller of the Bolwerk reported:
Former Defense Secretary James Mattis privately told Bob Woodward that he agrees with the assessment in his book “War,” which portrays Donald Trump as a unique and threatening threat to the country. In an interview on The Bulwark Podcast on Thursday, Woodward said he recently received an email from Mattis, who served under Trump before resigning in protest. In the email, Mattis endorsed the assessment of Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whom Woodward cited as calling Trump “the most dangerous person ever.”
In other words: Trump had two Secretaries of Defense, and if Woodward’s reporting is correct: both see the Republican as a threat to the United States.
It is fair to say that these latest developments are not too much of a surprise. When Trump first called on the retired four-star Marine general to serve in his Cabinet, the Republican seemed impressed not only by Matti’s long and decorated military career, but also by his nickname — “Mad Dog Mattis ‘ – which Trump seemed keen to reference. often.
The relationship soured quickly. The more Mattis emphasized responsible decision-making and the importance of international alliances, the more Trump dismissed his Pentagon chief as “some kind of Democrat.”
In December 2018, less than two years into his term, Mattis wrote a rather brutal resignation letter to Trump, questioning the then-president’s judgment, values and respect for American allies. In the process, the retired general became the first modern Pentagon chief to resign in protest.
That was almost six years ago. Now Mattis has reportedly seen Trump’s recent condemnations of retired General Mark Milley — the Republican-picked former chairman of the Joint Chiefs described Trump as a “fascist to the core” and “the most dangerous person for this country” — and the former defense Secretary apparently thinks Milley’s assessment was correct.
As we’ve discussed, members of a presidential team have a unique perspective on an American presidency. After a president selects them for their powerful positions, these Cabinet officials routinely work closely with the person behind the counter in the Oval Office, learning firsthand how a president thinks, works, sets priorities, processes information, and leads .
I’ve long wondered what could convince voters inclined to support Trump to change their minds. Who, if anyone, will they listen to?
It is clear that these voters will not be convinced by experts. Or legislators. Or historians. Or prosecutors. Or committee reports. Or special investigations.
But perhaps they will consider listening to those who have worked closely with Trump, and who continue to warn Americans of the dangers he poses as he tries to regain power?
This message updates our related previous reporting.
This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
