Former US defence secretary Wiliam Perry 'outraged' by Donald Trump's threat to use military against protesters

Veteran security official says president's actions are politicising the armed forces

The Federal Hall in Manhattan, New York is seen marked with graffiti after protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd. Reuters

A NYPD policeman is seen during a protest in Brooklyn, New York City. Reuters

Protesters demonstrate during a peaceful march in downtown Houston, Texas. AFP

Protestors including British actor John Boyega, centre, raise their fists in Parliament square during an anti-racism demonstration in London. AFP

British actor John Boyega speaks to protestors in Parliament square during an anti-racism demonstration in London. AFP

Protesters kneel to demonstrate against the death of George Floyd near the US Capitol, in Washington, DC. AFP

Protestors hold placards and shout slogans as they march during an anti-racism demonstration in central London. AFP

People lay down in protest for the death of George Floyd near the US Capitol, in Washington, DC. AFP

Police officers react as they attempt to detain a protestor near the entrance to Downing Street, during an anti-racism demonstration in London. AFP

Protesters during a protest on the Malieveld in The Hague, The Netherlands. Organizer Black Lives Matter Netherlands organized the meeting in protest of violence against black people in the US and the death of 46-year-old George Floyd while in police custody. EPA

Protestors scuffle with Police officers near the entrance to Downing Street, during an anti-racism demonstration in London. AFP

Protestors hold placards during a demonstration in London. AFP

U.S. Army soldiers pass protesters as they arrive to maintain a perimeter during a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, near the White House, in Washington, U.S. REUTERS

Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser bows her head in prayer during a vigil as protests continue on the streets near the White House over the death in police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, U.S. REUTERS

A demonstrator displays a message of protest on shoes as protesters rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, near the White House in Washington, U.S. REUTERS

A police officer takes a knee in front of protesters near Downing Street during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis, London, Britain. REUTERS

This combination of photos provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office in Minnesota shows J. Alexander Kueng, from left, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao. They have been charged with aiding and abetting Derek Chauvin, who is charged with second-degree murder of George Floyd, a black man who died after being restrained by the Minneapolis police officers on May 25. AP

Hundreds of demonstrators lie face down depicting George Floyd during his detention by police during a protest against police brutality, on Boston Common. AP Photo

Atlanta Police Officer J. Coleman, left, and protester Elijah Raffington, of Sandy Springs, fist bump while an Atlanta Police bicycle unit blocking Marietta Street at Centennial Olympic Park Drive kneels down with protesters in a symbolic gesture of solidarity outside the CNN Center at Olympic Park, in Atlanta, during a protest sparked by the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. AP

People continue to gather near the intersection of 38th and Chicago in front of the Cup Foods at the spot where George Floyd was arrested and who later died in police custody, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. EPA

Former US defence secretary William Perry has criticised President Donald Trump's threat to use the the military against protesters demanding justice over the police custody death of George Floyd.

"I am outraged at the deplorable behaviour of our President and Defense Secretary [Mark] Esper, threatening to use American military forces to suppress peaceful demonstrators exercising their constitutional rights. This is a deeply shameful moment for our nation," Mr Perry wrote on Twitter.

Mr Perry who held the post under former president Bill Clinton, accused Mr Trump of politicising the armed forces, saying the US military "was never intended to be used against American citizens, and it was never intended to be used for partisan political purposes".

"It is both wrong and dangerous to threaten to deploy American soldiers against American citizens unless there is a complete breakdown of law and order in a state and the governor requests that assistance," Mr Perry, 92, said in a statement released on Thursday.

Mr Trump issued his threat to call out active duty troops during a White House address on Monday after repeatedly urging local officials to use more force to quell the nationwide protests over police brutality and racial injustice.

The president's stance was also strongly criticised by James Mattis, his former defence chief who resigned in December 2018.

"I have watched this week's unfolding events, angry and appalled," Gen Mattis said on Wednesday, accusing Mr Trump of setting up a "false conflict" between the military and civilian society.

Mr Perry and Gen Mattis were both critical of Defence Secretary Esper accompanying Mr Trump to a church service near the White House on Monday after protesters had been forcibly removed from the area.

"Secretary Esper has said that he was not aware of what the president was about to do. But he was shamelessly exploited and his office degraded. He should speak out forthrightly that he will not support using the office of the Secretary of Defense to promote partisan political actions," Mr Perry said.