Former defense secretary questions advice given to president

Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday he does not believe the president is always receiving good advice from advisers. NBC News's Garrett Haake asked Esper on "Meet the Press" whether he trusts that advisers place loyalty to the Constitution first.

Esper replied that he does not see the president always getting good advice and noted that some Republicans on Capitol Hill have raised the same question about strategic matters.

U.S.-Iran agreement Esper said he has serious questions about several points in the memorandum of understanding finalized earlier this week. The agreement seeks to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He stated he likes the ceasefire extension, the reopening of the strait for economic relief, and the start of nuclear talks. He added that the MOU still contains points that raise concerns.

Esper's criticism Esper became a vocal critic after the president removed the former Army secretary from the Defense Department in November 2020. Their relationship had already strained during summer protests when the president used active-duty troops in civilian settings.

In February of last year the president revoked Esper's security detail. Esper said in 2024 he would not vote for the president and described him as a threat to democracy and institutions.