Army Checks Allegiance, Appearance of Soldiers Who Applauded Trump’s Political Attacks
President Trump’s visit to Fort Bragg for the Army’s 250th birthday celebration deviated sharply from a typical presidential appearance, marked by partisan attacks and enthusiastically partisan responses from soldiers. Internal communications reveal the 82nd Airborne Division curated the audience, selecting soldiers based on perceived political alignment and physical attributes, raising concerns about violations of Pentagon policies on political activity in uniform. The presence of a pro-Trump merchandise vendor on base further blurred the lines between military neutrality and partisan politics, prompting limited official responses and widespread criticism from experts and former military leaders. This incident highlights a concerning erosion of the military’s traditionally nonpartisan stance, exemplified by the lack of disciplinary action against those violating established regulations.
John Q. Hosedrinker