Trump’s Fort Bragg Visit Raises Concerns Over Military Neutrality

President Trump’s visit to Fort Bragg was heavily stage-managed, with strict guidelines on soldier appearances, including a push for no overweight soldiers and screening for political views. Troops openly booed Biden on camera, raising concerns about military neutrality. The Pentagon dismissed inquiries as attempts to harm soldiers. Trump plans a military parade for his birthday, expected to draw protests, especially following National Guard deployments in response to protests against his policies.

President Donald Trump’s visit to Fort Bragg on Tuesday had the vibes of a campaign rally, but it seems there was a lot more behind the scenes than just waving flags. A report from Military.com says the Pentagon and the 82nd Airborne Division were particularly focused on appearance, even detailing which soldiers were allowed to appear on camera for the occasion, held to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary.

One surprising detail mentioned was the instruction that there should be “no fat soldiers” showcased during the event. A message circulating within units advised that if soldiers held political views opposed to the current administration, they were encouraged to discuss their desire to step down from being in the audience with their leadership. It’s not unusual for appearances to be managed at such events; however, the level of scrutiny seems heightened.

Interestingly, the troops displayed their feelings while on camera, booing when Trump brought up his predecessor, Joe Biden. Typically, showing political bias while in uniform is against Defense Department policies, which usually leads to various forms of discipline. Yet, Trump welcomed this behavior, treating the gathering akin to a campaign stop.

A commander at Fort Bragg gave his thoughts anonymously, calling the situation “shameful” and a bad look for the Army, which seeks to maintain a neutral stance. “This has been a bad week for the Army for anyone who cares about us being a neutral institution,” he said, expressing hope that lessons would be learned for the future despite having little faith that meaningful action would result.

When pressed for comments, the Pentagon pushed back, branding the inquiries as a “disgraceful attempt to ruin the lives of young soldiers.” The officials chose not to address the specifics of Military.com’s report, instead focusing on criticizing the motivations behind any such questions.

Looking ahead, Trump is expected to celebrate the Army’s birthday in a big way with a military parade on Saturday, which coincidentally aligns with his own 79th birthday. It’s rumored that he has long had a desire for such an event, and insiders reportedly refer to it informally as “Donald Trump’s birthday parade,” pointing to significant taxpayer expenses associated with the festivities.

In light of potential unrest, a sizeable number of protests are anticipated surrounding the parade. This follows the recent deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, linked to protests over Trump’s deportation policies. When asked about the upcoming celebrations and the possibility of protests, Trump issued a stern warning, assuring that any protesters would face significant force if they show up to challenge his festivities.

In conclusion, President Trump’s recent appearance at Fort Bragg has raised eyebrows regarding military neutrality and exposure management. The dissatisfaction expressed by both soldiers and commanders showcases internal conflicts within the military about maintaining political boundaries. With Trump’s lavish birthday parade approaching, potential protests could add further tension, and the Defense Department’s response thus far highlights their focus on protecting personnel from scrutiny rather than addressing the concerns raised.

Original Source: www.rollingstone.com