Trump’s Stunt Visit to Ft. Bragg Undergoes Strict Soldier Screening

President Trump’s visit to Fort Bragg was extensively planned, with soldiers screened for both weight and political views to ensure a certain appeal on camera. Reports indicated that this event drew boos when Biden’s name was mentioned, raising questions about military neutrality. Meanwhile, Trump’s upcoming birthday military parade is poised to attract protests, alongside threats of a strong response to demonstrators.

President Donald Trump’s visit to Fort Bragg this past Tuesday was not just another presidential appearance; it was intricately choreographed for the cameras. Highlighting his campaign rally vibe, the event, designed for a national audience, notably emphasized the physical attributes and political beliefs of those soldiers selected to be on-screen. Reports from Military.com reveal that both the Pentagon and the 82nd Airborne Division were particularly attentive to these details, especially given the President’s and Defense Secretary’s known backgrounds in media.

The military guidelines were apparently very specific. A message circulated among the units stated, “No fat soldiers.” The directive also encouraged soldiers with opposing political views to discuss their concerns with leadership if they felt uncomfortable being in front of the cameras alongside Trump. This pre-screening for appearance seemed to serve a clear purpose: to maintain a certain image for Trump’s rally-style address.

When Trump addressed the assembled troops, boos and jeers erupted from the soldiers present at the mention of President Joe Biden. An act like this, especially while in uniform, raises significant issues, as partisan reactions during military events are against Department of Defense protocols and could lead to disciplinary measures. Nevertheless, Trump engaged with the troops as if they were simply a rally crowd, prompting criticism from within the military ranks.

A Fort Bragg commander, speaking on the condition of anonymity, commented on the situation, saying, “This has been a bad week for the Army for anyone who cares about us being a neutral institution. This was shameful. I don’t expect anything to come out of it, but I hope maybe we can learn from it long term.” The Pentagon, however, dismissed inquiries about the implications of Trump’s event as an attempt to undermine the soldiers involved.

In a related note, Trump seems poised to continue this theme of military theatrics, as he is expected to partake in a lavish military parade in Washington, D.C., coinciding with his 79th birthday celebration. This event, described by some aides as “Donald Trump’s birthday parade,” is anticipated to cost taxpayers millions. Protests are expected to push back against the parade, especially in the wake of the President’s recent actions involving the deployment of National Guard troops in response to protests against his policies in Los Angeles. On Tuesday, he had a stern warning for any potential protesters, stating, “If any protester wants to come out, they will be met with very big force,” from the Oval Office.

Original Source: www.rollingstone.com