Key Takeaways:
– Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper claims Donald Trump desired to keep injured soldiers out of public view.
– Esper disagreed with Trump’s perspective, considering wounded warriors as American heroes.
– Trump also expressed interest in emulating Hitler’s generals, as per accounts shared by his former Chief of Staff John Kelly.
– Esper urges the public to self-reflect about Trump’s possible leanings towards fascism.
Trump’s Take on Wounded Warriors
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper stirred up recent discussions on CNN with claims about ex-President Donald Trump’s perspective towards wounded soldiers. Esper stated that during his tenure, Trump expressed discomfort when injured members of the armed forces were shown in public view.
“Trump was troubled by the sight of America’s wounded heroes being out in the open,” Esper said. He then indicated that Trump wanted to keep injured military members concealed from the public eye.
Esper disagreed with Trump’s directive, arguing persistently that wounded soldiers aren’t something to hide. “These heroes are a testimony to America’s strength, courage, and resilience,” Esper underscored in his conversation with CNN anchor, Boris Sanchez.
Understanding the Worth of Wounded Warriors
Esper stressed the importance of recognizing and appreciating the sacrifices made by military personnel. To him, prime evidences of those huge sacrifices are the wounded warriors, not presuming them as a sign of weakness. “The injuries our troops have suffered are incredibly significant. They aren’t things to be kept hidden, but rather, these are symbols of pride and courage,” said Esper.
Recounting his interactions with Trump, Esper mentioned how he tried to show Trump the immense value of these heroes. “I emphasized repeatedly to him that the brave men and women who return home wounded are a testament to America’s commitment to freedom and justice,” he asserted.
Admiration for Hitler’s Generals?
Further into the conversation, Esper brought up the surprising revelation made by Trump’s former Chief of Staff, John Kelly. According to Kelly, Trump admired Adolf Hitler’s generals, suggesting his staff could learn from them. Regarding this, Esper backed Kelly’s honesty. “John Kelly is a man of great integrity. There’s no reason to question his truthfulness,” said Esper.
Reflections on Trump’s Ideology
In the CNN interview, Esper prompted the public to deliberate about Trump’s possible inclination towards fascism. Though he refrained directly from labeling Trump a fascist, Esper strongly advised Americans to examine the definitions and characteristics of fascism.
“Ask yourself if Trump’s actions align to those descriptions,” suggested Esper. He concluded by implying that Trump’s political actions could potentially fall into the category of fascism. “It would be hard to deny that some of Trump’s behavior doesn’t show signs of aligning with these descriptions,” he warned.
In conclusion, Esper’s revelations about Trump’s perspective on wounded soldiers and admiration for Hitler’s generals have brought significant attention. As the former Defense Secretary welcomes public debate on Trump’s possible fascist leanings, it emphasizes the importance of transparency and discussion on such vital issues in the future dealings of American politics.