Welcoming Ceremony The 27th secretary of defense., Dr. Mark T. Esper, speaks during a full-honors welcoming ceremony on the Pentagon parade field, July 25, 2019. President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence welcomed Esper to his new position at the event. SHARE IMAGE: Download Image: Full Size (0.98 MB) Tags: Esper Photo By: Army Staff Sgt. Amber I. Smith, DOD VIRIN: 190725-D-SV709-0003C.JPG Photo Gallery