Trump and the Military Crossed a Line

Recent internal communications from the 82nd Airborne Division reveal a carefully orchestrated effort to shape the narrative around President Trump’s recent visit. Documents indicate that soldiers were selectively chosen to appear behind Trump based on their political affiliations and physical characteristics. The men chosen to stand behind him during the event were predominantly male. Their enthusiastic laughter and applause during Trump’s partisan speech marked a startling and uncommon moment where military personnel publicly engaged in overt political partisanship.

One source disclosed a message to troops indicating that those who held opposing political views to the current administration and preferred not to be present should discuss with leadership to not attend. This situation unfolded at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, showcasing a stark departure from the usual presidential visit, which is typically characterized by decorum and neutrality. Instead, Trump delivered a speech filled with partisan rhetoric, drawing boisterous responses from soldiers behind him, thereby blurring the critical line between military duty and political engagement.

Compounding the unconventional nature of the event, a retailer from Tulsa, Oklahoma, sold pro-Trump merchandise on-site. Allowing the sale of explicitly partisan items on an Army base likely violates numerous Defense Department regulations designed to uphold the military’s longstanding commitment to political neutrality, a commitment the Army has historically taken great care to maintain.

Trump has taken partisanship further than any prior president, treating gatherings with troops as campaign events and openly criticizing his rivals. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, renowned for his role in coordinating military aid during Hurricane Katrina, labeled the speech “inappropriate,” asserting he had never witnessed anything like it during his 37 years of service.

With military presence in LA and directives from the President aimed at political military initiatives, it is essential for Americans to recognize the gravity of this situation. The military’s involvement in such overtly partisan activities poses a significant threat to our constitutional principles, marking a dangerous departure from the ideals of neutrality and professionalism that have long defined our armed forces.