Dr. Mark T. Esper
@MarkTEsper
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Proud husband & father. Army and Gulf War veteran. 27th Secretary of Defense and 23d Secretary of the Army. Author of NYT bestselling memoir — “A Sacred Oath.”
Washington, DC
Joined November 2020
Personal attacks on GEN Mark Milley and calls for him to resign are completely unwarranted. He and I worked together for 3+ years to advance America’s security and strengthen our armed forces. He is an officer and person of impeccable integrity and professionalism. (1/2).
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GEN Milley is a decorated veteran who has served our great country for 4+decades. His patriotism & commitment to the Constitution are without question. Attempts to denigrate him & politicize our military are wrong. I will always stand with/for him and the US military (2/2).
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This afternoon’s assault on the US Capitol was appalling and un-American. This is not how citizens of the world’s greatest and oldest democracy behave. The perpetrators who committed this illegal act were inspired by partisan misinformation and patently false claims about (1/3).
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This outcome was not inevitable, which is why as SecDef I formally opposed Trump’s push to further reduce, then hastily withdraw, U.S. troops last fall. I recommended we suspend our departure until the Taliban started meeting their side of the deal.(4/10).
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The lowering of the U.S. flag over our embassy in Kabul, and the Taliban’s seizure of the presidential palace, mark a bitter end to America’s noble effort these last twenty years to help the Afghan people escape their tragic history. (1/10).
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We lost a great American and true Soldier-Statesman with Colin Powell's passing. He was also a friend and mentor who helped guide me through my toughest days as SecDef, for which I will forever be grateful. Leah and I send our heartfelt condolences to Alma and the Powell family.
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As this transition plays out over the next two weeks, I am confident the U.S. military will stay out of politics, and remain true to its sworn oath to support and defend the Constitution, and the American people, as the most trusted and respected institution in the country. (3/3).
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Good meeting with @bikhim, Taiwan’s ambassador to US, where we discussed US arms sales (must accelerate), bilateral trade agreement (need in 2023), entry into UN bodies like WHO, and other multilateral demonstrations of support against an autocratic and aggressive CCP in Beijing.
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After my meeting today with President Tsai of Taiwan, I presented her a personalized copy of my memoir - “A Sacred Oath” - and noted the important chapter on China.
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Very significant development. If the insurgents can seize the capital, it not only could mark the end of the Assad regime, but also prompt @Russia’s exit and loss of a strategic airfield and naval base in the eastern Med, as well as Iran’s retreat and inability to supply.
BREAKING: Syrian insurgents have reached the suburbs of Damascus as part of a rapidly moving offensive that has seen them take over some of Syria's largest cities, opposition activists and a rebel commander said Saturday.
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the election. This must end now for the good of the republic. I commend Congressional leaders for meeting tonight to complete their Constitutional task of counting the electoral college votes that will affirm Joe Biden as the next president of the United States. (2/3).
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This is a critical issue I discuss in my memoir. The force I proposed in Oct 2020 had over 140 unmanned ships, more subs, many/smaller surface ships, & fewer big carriers. But all must change/embrace change if we are to sustain dominance of the seas.
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See my CNN interview today with Jake Tapper regarding Ukraine and Russia.
"The international order and democracy as we know it is under threat.". Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper talks to CNN's @jaketapper about what's at stake for the world as fighting escalates in Ukraine.
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A great meeting today as well with Taiwan President Ing-Wen Tsai. Our hour+ discussion covered a full range of diplomatic, economic, and security issues as Taipei fends off an increasingly aggressive Beijing bent on subjugating this robust democracy.
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Big victory against the govt over arbitrary redactions in my forthcoming memoir-"A Sacred Oath." An overwhelming majority of redactions were reversed, proving none were classified, after I challenged the broken review process. Now the unvarnished account of my tenure will be told.
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Congrats to Sweden becoming the 32d NATO member, bringing another capable military and key geography to the alliance. Time also for all allies to meet their spending commitments as we all work together to deter Russian aggression in the many years ahead.
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Great meeting today with Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. We discussed how to strengthen US-Taiwan relations and expand international support for Taipei as it pushes back against Beijing on the frontlines of a global contest between democracy and autocracy.
Strengthening #Taiwan's🇹🇼 #IndoPacific security partnership with fellow forces for good the #US🇺🇸 & #EU🇪🇺 topped table talk at the banquet held by Minister Wu for friends @MarkTEsper, @stefostefanini & @BarryPavel. We'll keep working with the @AtlanticCouncil to #DefendDemocracy!
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By pressing for a precipitous withdrawal of U.S. forces, rather than leveraging that military muscle to compel Taliban compliance with the 2020 peace agreement, both presidents hastened the Afghan government’s collapse. (3/10).
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Please keep them, our allies and partners, and all Americans still in Afghanistan — especially our brave service members, diplomats, and other government personnel — in your thoughts and prayers. (10/10).
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The only way this conflict could have ended better was through a political agreement among Afghans that was conditions based, patient, and backed up by U.S. and allied militaries. We had this, but both presidents abandoned the process and stuck to an arbitrary timeline. (5/10).
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America and its partners must work to mitigate this, while speeding up the process for rescuing our Afghan friends who risked their lives to assist the U.S. and its allies. (9/10).
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Both presidents Biden and Trump had the right goal in mind — ending America’s longstanding presence in Afghanistan. But both also failed to pursue that goal in the right way. (2/10).
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Congrats to the new president of Taiwan! This is a historic day for the country of Taiwan, its people, and Democracy. We should look forward to the progress, prosperity, security, and continuity this inauguration promises to bring.
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.@MarkTEsper calls on Speaker Pelosi to visit Taiwan and warns that we shouldn't allow anyone, especially the CCP, to dictate the travel plans of our officials. via @samantharenck @DailySignal
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Difficult days are ahead for the Afghan people, who deserved far better leadership than what they had. A humanitarian crisis is now unfolding before us. (8/10).
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Special thanks to Taiwan National Defense Minister Chiu for meeting with me and my Atlantic Council delegation today to discuss ways to improve Taiwan’s security posture opposite China.
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Disappointing but not surprising that the White House is restricting how Ukraine can use these F-16s against Russia, as it has done with other weapons systems. Need to let Kyiv fight to win!
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Our efforts these last two decades were not in vain, however. We brought Osama bin Laden to justice, broke the back of al Qaeda, and prevented Afghanistan from becoming a sanctuary from which terrorists could once again attack our homeland. (6/10).
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Good discussion with @JakeTapper regarding the latest intrusion of US airspace in Alaska. Smart move to take it down. Now we need to learn what it was and where it came from. These events are driving an important review of our policies and procedures.
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Hear my views on the 2024 election & America’s bad choices. I won’t vote for Trump, but as a Reagan Republican I’m not ready to vote for Biden. Nov 5 is still months away. What we need is a new generation of leaders who appeal to the majority in the middle
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Good talk with @JakeTapper regarding the attacks on US forces in Syria, the need to respond forcefully (as the U.S. did!), why we are deployed there, and the larger concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and progress.
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That was our original purpose for invading Afghanistan in 2001 and removing the Taliban, but maintaining that successful record will now be more challenging. (7/10).
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Great meetings yesterday in Taipei. Looking forward to today’s sessions with President Tsai, Defense Minister Chiu, and Foreign Minister Wu on how to strengthen US-Taiwan relations and readiness in face of growing PRC threats to our shared interests and free & open Indo-Pacific.
This week an @AtlanticCouncil delegation led by former US Secretary of Defense @MarkTEsper and including @stefostefanini and @BarryPavel visits #Taiwan to meet with senior government and private-sector officials. Read top takeaways from the meetings here:
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Russia's actions today are illegal and violate Ukraine's sovereignty. Deterrence isn't working. Time for NATO and EU member states-- and other Western democracies who share our values --to show unity and resolve, and start imposing tough economic & financial sanctions on Moscow.
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Good meeting last week with @MOFA_Taiwan representative to Lithuania, Eric Huang, where we discussed several US/Taiwan/China/Europe issues. Lithuania made a bold decision in 2021 to upgrade the Taiwan office in Vilnius. Need other capitals to do the right thing and do the same.
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Saddened to learn of the passing of fmr SecDef Don Rumsfeld. He was a leader and patriot who served our great country in many capacities over an extraordinary lifetime. I was privileged to work for him as a DepAsstSec in the 2000s. He will be sorely missed by many.
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Proud to join the Modern War Institute at West Point as Distinguished Chair. Looking forward to teaching, mentoring Cadets and Faculty, and working to ensure the success of the U.S. Army, the joint force, and the security of our nation, alongside our allies and partners.
We're thrilled to welcome @MarkTEsper—former Secretary of the Army and Secretary of Defense—who has joined MWI as our distinguished chair. A @WestPoint_USMA graduate, he will be an invaluable resource in accomplishing MWI's mission and furthering our understanding of modern war.
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The collapse of the brutal Assad regime may not be the last domino to fall in this region. #Iran is now the weakest it’s been in decades with the apparent loss of its Syrian client state; the collapse of its Axis of Resistance, esp Hezbollah; and the continued economic, social,.
Former Trump Defense Secretary @MarkTEsper tells @jaketapper that “Iran is most severely impacted” by the collapse of the Assad regime and says the big question is “who is going to govern Syria and what will it look like?”
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Great visit with the Battle Group. Enjoyed talking with the 🇱🇹and 🇩🇪 soldiers to understand their training & defensive plans, and role of US forces. Also good to crawl around their vehicles, especially Leopards and IFVs, to understand how Ukraine may use them against Russia.
An American delegation from the Baltic Military Conference visited the Iron Wolf Brigade. Among the visitors there was the former 🇺🇸 Minister of Defence @MarkTEsper who got an overview about the mission and the capabilites of the #eFP BG 🇱🇹. Thank you for your visit!
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Hello everyone. This is where I will be sharing my thoughts on national security, foreign policy, and the nation's defense in the weeks and months ahead.
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See my talk on @AmericaNewsroom about the conflict in Sudan and what it means for Americans stuck there, as well as news that Russia bombed its own city…and the possibility it could have been a Ukraine drone strike Moscow doesn’t want to acknowledge.
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See my interview today with CNN’s @jaketapper where we discuss Russia-Ukraine, China-Taiwan, Iran, and my recent op-ed regarding the slow death of America’s all-volunteer military force.
"Completely sham elections." . Former Defense Secretary @MarkTEsper joins CNN's @jaketapper to discuss reports that multiple Kremlin-backed authorities in Eastern and Southern Ukraine announced that referendums on joining Russia will be held this week.
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9/11–Never. Ever. Forget. As we remember the victims of those awful attacks, let us also recall the courage of the first responders, and the bravery of US military and intelligence personnel that took the fight to the enemy in the weeks that followed. God Bless them and America!.
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LTG CD Donahue is a great pick to lead U.S. forces in Europe, with tremendous experience over decades of service to the country. I first met him in 2018 when he was a 1-star at the Pentagon and I was Army Secretary. He is extremely talented, professional and apolitical. The.
A Republican senator from Oklahoma has frozen the promotion of a three-star general who led U.S. forces during the evacuation of Afghanistan, after months of Donald Trump’s pledges that he would fire any senior officer associated with the chaotic mission.
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See my conversation this morning @CNNThisMorning regarding the latest developments on the missiles that struck Poland yesterday and my views on Donald Trump’s 2024 announcement last night.
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Happy Veterans Day to all who have served, past and present!
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Former defense secretary Mark Esper: President Trump suggested shooting protesters, missile strikes in Mexico via @60minutes.
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Covered many topics with @jaketapper today: the Ukraine dam break; the creeping counteroffensive against Russia; sabotage of the NordStream pipeline; growing GOP resistance to continue supporting Kyiv; and the debt deal’s harmful impact on defense spending at a dangerous time.
Former Trump Defense Secretary @MarkTEsper : Russia “can't cry foul now that the Ukrainians are punching back across the border.”
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On #VeteransDay, I salute those who bravely defended our Nation in war and peace. Leading these great Americans as 27th SecDef was a privilege. Serving alongside them years ago was an honor. Meeting the Greatest Generation at Battle of the Bulge 75th anniversary was unforgettable
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Modernizing our military is critical as we face off against an increasingly aggressive China. Accelerating DOD’s adoption of cutting-edge tech from the commercial sector is key to success. Our commission will be proposing ideas to help make that happen.
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America said its final goodbye today to Sen Bob Dole - one of the greatest, of the greatest generation. He served our country in war and peace with great spirit and valor, always putting country first. We need more like him today. Thank you, Bob Dole, for your service and example
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Bold, critical decision by Taiwan to extend conscription. Earlier move to increase defense spending also vital. US needs to accelerate arms deliveries, now, of asymmetric weapons to further deter Chinese aggression. More needs done--see follow on tweets--but this is big move.
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Having sufficient semiconductor fabrication capabilities in U.S. are critical to our economic & national security. We cannot rely on China, nor allow them to threaten or dominate this market as I said yesterday. That's why Congress passing the CHIPS Act this week is so important.
"We need to have a #semiconductor fabrication capacity here in the United States because we cannot rely on China to provide those things," former US Secretary of Defense @MarkTEsper said yesterday. "We see #China now trying to dominate the market.". ➡️
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Former Pentagon chief Esper says Trump asked about shooting protesters
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I applaud VP Harris for committing to ask a Republican to serve in her cabinet. I hope fmr Pres Trump will do the same with a Democrat. Will show that both sides can work together, that bipartisanship is not dead, and will help heal the wounds after what promises to be a very
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When I proposed in Oct 2020 a new future fleet of 500+ manned & unmanned vessels, and how to pay for it, I said that if DOD could only do one thing as we face off against China, we should build 3 attack subs a year. Instead, we are falling further behind.
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I am deeply saddened by fmr PM Shinzo Abe's tragic murder. My condolences to his family, friends, & people of Japan. Abe was an exceptional leader and great friend of the U.S. who understood the shared challenges we face. It was a privilege to know him. He will be sorely missed.
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Happy Veterans Day! Celebrating “down under” in Australia with my friend and fmr Defense Minister Sen Linda Reynolds. Placing a wreath at the War Memorial for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on this Remembrance Day, when U.S. and Australian soldiers fought and died to end the
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See my talk with @CNN’s @jaketapper regarding Germany’s reluctance to provide tanks to @Ukraine, what arms & assistance the US should be giving Kyiv and why, and what this all means in the broader struggle between the West and the Russia-China axis.
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Former US secretary of defense-led delegation arrives in Taiwan | Taiwan News | 2022-07-18 10:12:00
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Good talk with @Greta Van Susteren on the latest in the Chinese spy balloon case, why we should have downed it earlier and maybe didn’t, and more regarding the broader threat we face from Beijing.
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Check out my thought piece on steps the Defense Department can take when it comes to Artificial Intelligence -- building upon the last couple years -- to make the U.S. armed forces far more effective, and our nation much more secure, in the challenging years ahead.
Winning the Future with Artificial Intelligence | @MarkTEsper
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Excited to join McCain Institute as Distinguished Fellow. Looking forward to working w/MI team to advance bipartisan solutions to the national security challenges America faces. Will need to lead with our values and work closely with allies, especially as we deal with China.
We’re proud to welcome Dr. @MarkTEsper as the McCain Institute’s inaugural John S. McCain Distinguished Fellow.
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Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on the ethical dilemmas of working for Trump
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See my full interview with @greta regarding Blinken’s visit to Beijing, my concerns about the trip, & what all this means for US-China relations going forward. Important we remain clear-eyed and resolute about the CCP threat, & keep our Allies with us.
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A Sacred Oath review: Mark Esper on Trump, missiles for Mexico and more
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Following my trip to Taiwan last summer, and our @AtlanticCouncil delegation's meetings with President Tsai and her cabinet, I returned to Washington and outlined a number of initiatives that are critical to deterring PRC aggression and defending Taiwan.
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Thanks to the George C. Marshall Foundation for recently presenting me the 2021 General Andrew Goodpaster Award for selfless service, patriotism, courage, and leadership. I am humbled by this distinct honor from such a great organization.
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Good talk with @jaketapper @CNN on US strikes against the Houthis and the role of Iran, plus the latest regarding ongoing IDF operations in Gaza, civilian casualties there, divisions among Israeli leaders, and the future end state of Gaza.
@MarkTEsper Watch the full video here:
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Special thanks to Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu @MOFA_Taiwan for welcoming me and the @AtlanticCouncil delegation to Taipei this week for a series of meetings with President Tsai and her cabinet. Our visit signals strong US and European support for Taiwan and its people!
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Sullivan is spot on. Wargame after wargame proves this out. Washington needs a sense of urgency, with Congress, the @WhiteHouse, and the @DeptofDefense working together to dramatically expand capacity, increase production, and stockpile all the munitions that are key to this.
War with China would exhaust munition stockpiles ‘very rapidly,’ Jake Sullivan says
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Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper details his fraught relationship with Trump
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Providing @Ukraine with infantry fighting vehicles is a big development overshadowed by last week's Speaker drama. These vehicles give Kyiv the means to launch a fast-moving counteroffensive that can push Russia back/out. Need Berlin now to provide the spear's tip: Leopard tanks.
The U.S. and Germany are sending armored vehicles to Ukraine, including 50 tank-killing Bradleys, to expand the country's ability to move troops to front lines and bolster forces fighting Russia's invasion. Here's a look at Bradleys and similar armor.
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Grateful that Pres Trump is safe after yesterday’s horrific attack. Prayers for those killed & injured. There is no room for political violence in America; it must be condemned. Caustic talk must end, the rhetoric turned down, & we must be far more civil. E pluribus unum.
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Good talk @AspenSecurity about AI and its ethical development. Vital that the US (and specifically DOD) not only accelerate, master & smartly deploy this critical tech (esp before China does), but also set global norms for doing so safely & responsibly.
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Great news that Finland and Sweden have been formally invited to join NATO. A victory for the alliance that will surely strengthen it and make Europe more secure. It also marks another strategic failure for Vladimir Putin. Member states need to ratify their accession quickly.
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Hamas’ demands are unreasonable. Israel needs to dismantle Hamas and free the hostages, but must safeguard civilians and feed Gazans as it goes into Rafah. Also needed is a solid plan for post conflict governance that keeps Hamas down & builds a better future for Palestinians.
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Good discussion on @CNN regarding the Chinese spy balloon, the need to shore up our aerospace awareness, and the critical questions about Beijing’s motives. See also my views on the 2024 election.
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On this solemn day, please remember the innocent lives suddenly taken from us 20 years ago. Also recall the brave first-responders who gave all to save others, and the thousands of military personnel and other patriots who have protected us these past two decades. Never forget.
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Humbled that my hometown — Uniontown PA — would honor me today with a plaque in a city square dedicated to my boyhood hero, the great GEN George Marshall.
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See my CNBC interview from earlier today regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and what it means geo-politically and economically.
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Great to meet Taiwan’s new rep to the US. Good discussion on several bilateral (trade agreement, accelerating arms sales, etc) and regional issues. Sustaining bipartisan support for Taiwan is vital to US & allied interests as China continues to create turmoil in the IndoPacific.
Great discussion with @MarkTEsper, 27th Secretary of Defense, at Twin Oaks. Appreciate Dr. Esper's staunch support for Taiwan's security and US-Taiwan partnership. - AY
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Send a few US tanks if that's what it takes to get Berlin to act! The US $2.5B package to @Ukraine is solid, but Germany continues to disappoint. Ukraine needs Leopards to take the offensive and win. No time to waste. Listen to my @Bloomberg interview.
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After being presented the @RonaldReagan Foundation's 2022 "Peace Through Strength" award--like George Shultz, John McCain, Leon Panetta et al before me--I share how Pres Reagan inspired our great country, and why we need leaders of character like him today.
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Trump’s statements calling for US withdrawal from NATO & encouraging Russian aggression are irresponsible & dangerous. Yes, our allies must live up to their defense commitments, but we should not threaten an alliance that advances US interests & security.
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Saddened at Sen Joe Lieberman’s passing. He was a great person, a man of faith, and true statesman who epitomized integrity & bipartisanship. I feel lucky to have worked and traveled with him during my years on Capitol Hill and later. My thoughts & prayers for him and his family.
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Navy transits Taiwan Strait as Esper in Taipei calls for end to ‘One China’ policy
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Our prayers are with the British people with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She was an extraordinary person & leader who I was honored to meet. She was a great friend of the US and led the UK through many difficult times over the years. She will be sorely missed by many.
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Good discussion with @KateBolduan @CNN regarding fighter jets for @Ukraine, the security challenges facing the new Israeli government, and the likelihood of war with China and what it means for the West.
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The release of classified info harmed our security & relations w/allies. Too many people have access. Now that we have a suspect, top priority is to learn the full extent of his actions, how he did it, & if anyone else is involved so that we can make fixes
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If we can't bring down the balloon to capture the payload, then we should shoot it down once we're confident the debris won't hurt anyone on the ground.
“I am surprised by this. I think it is a brazen act by the Chinese to do this,” former Defense Secretary Esper tells us about the spy balloon hovering over Montana. He says he doesn’t recall this happening when he was the Pentagon chief. “I would remember that for sure.”
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Finland's accession to NATO is great news! Now Sweden needs approved. Both countries enhance NATO. Turkey & Hungary must move forward on this. Washington and allies should turn up the pressure. Need the Alliance expanded to 32 by the Vilnius summit in July
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