Guest Editorial: The President and The Military
Photo by Staff Sgt. Oscar Toscano
By Keith Mobley
How serious is the threat posed by President Donald Trump to the future of our country and constitutional democracy?
Very serious. The strongest proof yet came from the soldiers behind the President during his recent speech at Fort Bragg.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=447wkXyiIjc
Here are excerpts from a recent article from the web site Military.com about that speech:
"If soldiers (to be part of his audience) have political views that are in opposition to the current administration and they don't want to be in the audience then they need to speak with their leadership and get swapped out," another note to troops said.”
“. . . President Donald Trump unleashed a speech laced with partisan invective, goading jeers from a crowd of soldiers positioned behind his podium -- blurring the long-standing and sacrosanct line between the military and partisan politics.
As Trump viciously attacked his perceived political foes, he whipped up boos from the gathered troops directed at California leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom -- amid the president's controversial move to deploy the National Guard and Marines against protesters in Los Angeles -- as well as former President Joe Biden and the press. The soldiers roared with laughter and applauded Trump's diatribe in a shocking and rare public display of troops taking part in naked political partisanship.”
Political neutrality of the military has been and is essential to our government. The Department of Defense issued Directive Number 1344.10, dated February 19, 2008, with these provisions:
4.1.2. A member of the Armed Forces on active duty shall not: (4.1.2.6.) Participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate for or against a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.
4.1.2. A member of the Armed Forces on active duty shall not: (4.1.2.15.) Attend partisan political events as an official representative of the Armed Forces, except as a member of a joint Armed Forces color guard at the opening ceremonies of the national conventions of the Republican, Democratic, or other political parties recognized by the Federal Elections Committee or as otherwise authorized by the Secretary concerned.
Violations of paragraphs 4.1. through 4.5. of this Directive by persons subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice are punishable under Article 92, “Failure to Obey Order or Regulation,” Chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code.
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/134410p.pdf
Here are questions from this retired Navy JAG lawyer:
Were the planners and schedulers from Fort Bragg aware of the DOD Directive quoted above?
Were the planners and schedulers from the White House aware of that Directive?
Was the Directive and its requirements made known to the President, or to those who were in his audience?
Will any action be taken against those who violated the Directive?
Is the fact of this violation a matter of concern to any members of the administration, and especially, of the House and Senate?
Use of the military appears to be of increasing interest to President Trump, as it can be outcome determinative when conflicts develop over the separation of powers, or any other dispute or controversy. Despite his early displays of disrespect for members of the military, and his own efforts to avoid service, he now recognizes the utility of the military in shaping government to achieve his personal goals. His recent birthday celebration and military parade further demonstrated that recognition, and the seriousness of the threat.
Keith Mobley is a civic‑minded retired Naval Military Lawyer and estate‑planning attorney in Dufur, Oregon. He volunteers for the Rotary Club—helping collect ballots on election days—advocates for rural broadband, and testifies before the Oregon Legislature on integrity in elections.
