Emergency: Trump makes dangerous military speech - Pondering Politics

Donald Trump delivered a politically charged speech to U.S. troops at Fort Bragg (formerly Fort Liberty) in North Carolina, which Jessiah criticizes as a dangerous violation of military norms. The speech included false claims about winning the popular vote, a call to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, and praise for increased military spending—despite the fact that the name change is not within presidential authority. Trump also promoted a new class of battleships named after himself and made partisan attacks on political opponents, including North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.

Jessiah notes that while some troops may have agreed with Trump’s rhetoric, they largely remained silent, avoiding violations of military rules against political activity. Retired military officials have warned that such politicization of the armed forces is dangerous and undermines civilian control. Jessiah argues that both parties should enforce a norm against political speeches to troops, suggesting that Democrats may need to respond in kind if Republicans continue to cross this line.