Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper has expressed concern over former President Donald Trump's comments encouraging Russia to disregard NATO countries that do not meet their defense spending obligations. In an interview, Esper stated that such remarks were un-American and sent the wrong message to allies and adversaries alike. He emphasized that words matter and revealed his belief that Trump's disdain for NATO and desire to withdraw from the alliance were cause for concern if he were to return to office.
Esper highlighted the potential consequences of Trump's statements, stating that they could be interpreted as a green light for Putin to attack a NATO ally or a neighboring country. Although he considered such a scenario unlikely, he stressed that it conveyed a negative message to autocratic leaders like China's Xi Jinping, who is eyeing Taiwan aggressively. The former Defense Secretary argued that the repercussions of Trump's comments extended beyond Europe, affecting allies in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and other regions facing aggressive actions by autocrats.
When asked about Republican lawmakers who brushed off Trump's remarks as mere campaign rhetoric, Esper disagreed. Drawing from his firsthand experience with Trump, he asserted that the former President's disdain for Germany and lack of understanding about the importance of alliances had been expressed in private discussions. Esper cautioned that Trump's return to office could potentially result in cutting off aid to Ukraine and attempting to withdraw troops, ultimately leading to a US withdrawal from NATO.
Regarding the aid package for Ukraine, Esper noted that there was military assistance in the pipeline, with financial aid primarily coming from European partners. However, he underscored that at some point, the assistance would run out, hampering Ukraine's ability to combat Russian aggression. The former Defense Secretary brought attention to Ukraine's dwindling ammunition supply and manpower, adding that they would face significant challenges in the absence of continued support.
Esper also discussed the strategic implications of the American election in November 2024 on Putin's actions. He suggested that if Trump were reelected, Putin might view it as an opportune moment to make operational moves on the battlefield, given the potential withdrawal of support for Ukraine and potential troop withdrawals from NATO. Conversely, if Trump did not win, he argued that the current commitment to Ukraine could continue.
Addressing the sentiment among some lawmakers to blame the United States for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Esper dismissed the notion as a straw man argument. He emphasized that European countries, particularly those with a history of Russian invasions, had sought NATO membership for security purposes after the end of the Cold War. Esper contended that Putin's actions were driven by his desire to regain territories he considered part of historic Russia.
In conclusion, Mark Esper's remarks shed light on his concerns regarding Donald Trump's comments on NATO, highlighting the potential consequences for allies and the international order. The former Defense Secretary expressed worry over the impact of Trump's statements and the possibility of aid cuts to Ukraine. He also warned of a potential US withdrawal from NATO under a Trump presidency and addressed the sentiment of blaming the victims in the context of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
