Mark Esper: Biography, Age, Education, Military Rank and Books
Mark Esper Biography and Wiki
Mark Esper is an American businessman, policy expert, and former government official who served as the 27th United States Secretary of Defense from July 23, 2019, to November 9, 2020. Prior to his appointment as Secretary of Defense, Esper held the position of 23rd Secretary of the Army from 2017 to 2019. He is a former U.S. Army officer and corporate executive with extensive experience in national defense and public policy.
Mark Esper Education
Esper graduated from Laurel Highlands High School in 1982 and went on to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1986. He later received a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1995 and earned a Doctorate in Public Policy from George Washington University in 2008.
Mark Esper Age
Born: April 26, 1964
Age: 60 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace: Uniontown, Pennsylvania, United States
Mark Esper Height
Esper stands at an average height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters).
Mark Esper Religion
Esper was raised in a Christian household. His father was affiliated with the Maronite Church, reflecting his family’s Lebanese Christian roots. Additional information about his religious practices has not been publicly detailed.
Mark Esper Family and Ancestry
Mark Esper is the son of Pauline Reagan and Thomas Joseph Esper. He is of Lebanese descent, with his paternal grandfather having immigrated to the United States from Lebanon. Esper’s uncle, George Esper, was a noted journalist. Details about his siblings remain private.
Mark Esper Wife and Children
Mark Esper is married to Leah Lacy Esper, with whom he tied the knot in 1989. Together, they have three children—two sons, Luke and John, and a daughter named Kate.
Mark Esper Fired / Resignation
On November 9, 2020, President Donald Trump dismissed Esper via Twitter, announcing that Christopher C. Miller, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, would serve as Acting Secretary of Defense. Tensions between Esper and Trump had escalated, particularly after Esper publicly opposed the use of active-duty military forces during domestic protests following the death of George Floyd.
Esper also stopped holding Pentagon press briefings in mid-2020 and was reportedly prepared to resign following the election. His policy disagreements with the administration, especially on military engagement in civilian matters, contributed to his abrupt dismissal.
Mark Esper – Secretary of Defense
Esper was nominated in 2019 by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate to serve as Secretary of Defense, following the departure of Patrick Shanahan. At the time, he was the youngest person to hold the role since Robert McNamara in the 1960s.
As Defense Secretary, Esper was instrumental in implementing the National Defense Strategy, emphasizing competition with China and Russia, technological modernization, and strengthening international alliances. He also led the Department of Defense through key transitions and addressed challenges involving cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and global military operations.
However, policy rifts with the Trump administration, especially over domestic military use and foreign policy, marked the latter part of his tenure. These differences ultimately led to his removal from office shortly after the 2020 presidential election.
President Trump Has Revoked Mark Esper’s Security Detail
Following his dismissal in November 2020, former President Donald Trump reportedly revoked Mark Esper’s security detail, a move that was seen by some observers as a retaliatory action. While the withdrawal of security details for former Cabinet officials is not unprecedented, the timing and context of Esper’s removal—coming soon after his public disagreements with Trump—drew scrutiny. Esper had voiced opposition to Trump’s desire to use active-duty troops during civil protests, which may have contributed to the abrupt withdrawal of his protective services.
Mark Esper on Trump
Mark Esper has publicly expressed criticism of Donald Trump’s leadership style and decision-making, especially during his tenure as Secretary of Defense. In his 2022 memoir “A Sacred Oath,” Esper describes the challenges of serving under Trump, calling him unpredictable and, at times, dangerous. He cited several moments when he had to resist what he considered “illegal or unethical” directives from the president, including using military force against U.S. citizens. Esper’s reflections reveal a deep concern for preserving democratic norms and civilian control over the military, even amid intense political pressure.
Mark Esper Previous Offices
Mark Esper has held several prominent positions in both the public and private sectors:
27th U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019–2020) under President Donald Trump
23rd Secretary of the Army (2017–2019)
Vice President of Government Relations at Raytheon (2006–2017)
Chief of Staff at the Heritage Foundation
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Negotiations Policy (George W. Bush administration)
Senior Staff Member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
His diverse portfolio has made him a key figure in the intersection of defense policy, politics, and private industry.
Mark Esper Military Rank
Mark Esper served in the United States Army and Army Reserve for over a decade. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) before retiring from the military. During his active duty service, he served in the 101st Airborne Division during the Gulf War, where he received multiple awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, for his performance in combat operations.
Mark Esper Books
Mark Esper is the author of the memoir:
“A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times” (2022)
The book offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at his time in the Trump administration, detailing policy disagreements, constitutional concerns, and major events such as the Black Lives Matter protests, foreign policy tensions, and internal White House dynamics. The memoir was praised for its honesty and has become a key resource for understanding civil-military relations during Trump’s presidency.
Mark Esper on Bill Maher
Mark Esper appeared on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher to promote his memoir and discuss the state of U.S. politics and national security. During the interview, he spoke critically about Trump’s leadership, warning about the dangers of political extremism and the politicization of the military. Maher, known for his provocative and often blunt style, engaged Esper in a wide-ranging conversation that covered civil liberties, foreign policy, and the erosion of democratic norms. The appearance was notable for Esper’s balanced tone—while critical, he also emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation and institutional stability.
What is Mark Esper Doing Now in 2025?
As of 2025, Mark Esper is actively engaged in national security consulting, public speaking, and policy analysis. He serves as a senior advisor for several think tanks focused on defense strategy and global security. Esper is also a frequent commentator on national defense issues on networks like CNN and MSNBC and has continued to write op-eds for publications such as The Washington Post and Foreign Affairs. Additionally, he has taken on a visiting fellowship role at Georgetown University, where he lectures on civil-military relations and foreign policy. Esper also remains involved with veteran advocacy and nonprofit initiatives supporting military families.
Mark Esper Net Worth
Mark Esper’s estimated net worth is $2.3 million, accumulated through his military service, high-level government positions, and roles in the private sector.
