Former Defense Chief Esper Joins Law Firm as National Security Advisor

Mark Esper, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, has taken on a new role as senior adviser at Squire Patton Boggs, a prominent law firm established in 1890. This move comes approximately four years after his dismissal from the Trump administration.

Esper, who is not a legal professional, will continue his position as chairman of the national security practice at Red Cell Partners, a venture capital firm specializing in national security and healthcare. His appointment at Squire Patton Boggs is seen as a significant asset for the firm's clients facing increasing national security challenges in an unstable global environment.

In a statement, Esper emphasized the growing intersection of national security concerns and corporate leadership. This perspective aligns with his extensive experience, including his tenure as the 27th U.S. Secretary of Defense from July 2019 to November 2020.

Esper's career has been marked by notable events and controversies. He assumed the role of Defense Secretary after the resignation of Jim Mattis, who left in protest over foreign policy decisions. Prior to this, Esper served as Secretary of the Army from 2017 to 2019, a position also confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

The relationship between Esper and former President Donald Trump has been fraught with tension. Trump dismissed Esper shortly after losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden. Since then, Esper has become a vocal critic of the former president.

In May 2022, Esper made headlines with his comments on MSNBC, questioning Trump's integrity and accusing him of prioritizing personal interests over those of the United States. These remarks, along with others from a CNN interview, have been utilized in recent campaign advertisements by Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman to hold this office.

Esper's memoir revealed startling claims about his time in office. He alleged that Trump had suggested using missiles to destroy drug laboratories in Mexico at least twice in 2020, proposals Esper deemed illegal and tantamount to acts of war.

"Trump asked at least twice in 2020 if the military could 'shoot missiles into Mexico to destroy drug labs.'"

The appointment of Esper to Squire Patton Boggs reflects the increasing complexity of global affairs and their impact on business. As the second in the military chain of command after the President during his tenure, Esper brings valuable insights to the firm. His experience at the helm of the Department of Defense, the world's largest employer, established in 1947, provides a unique perspective on the challenges facing corporate leaders in today's geopolitical landscape.