Soldiers Screened for Appearance and Politics Ahead of Trump Visit
Soldiers at Fort Bragg were reportedly vetted for appearance and political views ahead of a speech by President Trump during the Army’s anniversary celebrations. Messages obtained indicated efforts to ensure only supporters were present, raising concerns about military neutrality. Reactions in the audience were mixed, with visible support and opposition evident during the address. Further scrutiny of vendors selling partisan merchandise is also underway.
In a rather controversial move, soldiers attending President Donald Trump’s address at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were reportedly vetted for both their appearance and political affiliations. The event, coinciding with the Army’s 250th birthday celebrations, saw Trump’s remarks met with cheers and jeers from the seated audience, which was arguably handpicked for the occasion.
Messages viewed by Military.com revealed some troubling directives, including one very plainly stating, “no fat soldiers.” It seems that there was also a push to have attendees align politically with the president, suggesting those with opposing views should arrange to be swapped out with others. This message raises serious questions about the military’s political neutrality.
During his speech, Trump took aim at political foes like former President Joe Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom, the latter of whom has openly critiqued Trump’s use of military forces in recent protests in Los Angeles. The reactions from soldiers, manifesting as both cheers and boos, hinted at a blend of personal beliefs being expressed whilst in uniform — an act generally seen as a violation of military conduct.
A commander at Fort Bragg spoke with Military.com under the condition of anonymity, expressing disappointment with the events. “This has been a bad week for the Army for anyone who cares about us being a neutral institution. This was shameful,” they said. While there are low expectations for immediate consequences, the commander optimistically hopes the Army learns from such instances moving forward.
Social media further lighted the issue, showing soldiers wearing Trump-themed attire and showcasing items emblazoned with slogans like “Make America Great Again.” Many of these items allegedly come from 365 Campaign, an Oklahoma-based company that specializes in conservative merchandise.
Col. Mary Ricks, a spokesperson for Fort Bragg, mentioned that the vendor’s authorization is currently under review to understand how it was allowed in and to prevent such incidents in future. As for inquiries concerning the screening of soldiers, Ricks was unavailable for immediate comment when Army Times reached out.
Todd South, a seasoned journalist with a focus on crime, courts, and military affairs, brings a veteran’s perspective, having served in Iraq and earned accolades for his work in journalism.
The implications of the Trump visit and the screening practices expose deep-seated issues regarding the military’s supposed political impartiality. It remains to be seen how the Army will respond to this incident.
The events surrounding President Trump’s visit to Fort Bragg, where soldiers were screened for their political views and appearance, have ignited a debate on military neutrality. With soldiers expressing political sentiments during his speech, the Army faces questions about how closely to guard its image as a non-partisan institution. Ongoing reviews and reactions may shed light on the future of political expressions within military settings.
Original Source: www.armytimes.com