Esper: I don't see the president always getting good advice

Esper's remarks come as some Republicans in Washington have expressed frustration with Trump's recent actions, particularly concerning Iran. Senate Republicans have reportedly voiced dismay about a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran, which aims to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Esper acknowledged liking the extended ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait for economic relief, and the initiation of nuclear talks. However, he added that he has "many of the points that I have serious questions about and concerns about" regarding the MOU.

Esper became a vocal critic of Trump after his ouster from the Defense Department in November 2020. Their relationship had previously strained when Trump considered using active-duty troops to quell protests, an action Esper publicly opposed. In February 2024, Trump also revoked the security details of several former allies turned critics, including Esper, former national security adviser John Bolton, former CIA Director Mike Pompeo, and former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Mark Milley.

In January 2024, Esper told Jim Acosta that he would not vote for Trump, calling him a "threat to democracy."