🪖 Why Our Military Should Stay Out of Politics (and What Trump Got Wrong)

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always make headlines, but absolutely should: the military is supposed to be apolitical. That means our troops, our generals, and our defense institutions aren’t meant to take sides in political fights. They're there to defend the Constitution, not any politician—Republican, Democrat, or otherwise.

So why bring this up now? Because over the last few years, especially under Donald Trump, we’ve seen some serious red flags—moments where it looked like the military was being used as a political prop, or worse, a partisan weapon. And that’s a huge problem.


🚫 The Military Isn't a Campaign Tool

One of the most obvious ways Trump blurred the lines was with his love of military parades. Sure, showing off our strength is fine once in a while. But these weren’t about national unity or honoring veterans. They were about Trump. Tanks in the streets, jets in the sky, troops lined up—not to protect the country, but to put on a birthday show for him in 2025. Kinda felt like something you'd see in North Korea, not Washington, D.C.

And it didn’t stop there.

During protests—whether over immigration or racial justice—Trump didn’t hesitate to send in federal troops. In 2025, he deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles against the wishes of local officials. That kind of move hadn’t been seen since the 1965 Watts Riots. Legal experts were quick to raise red flags, saying it might’ve violated laws like the Posse Comitatus Act, which specifically bars the military from acting like a domestic police force.


🎖️ Purging the Brass & Demanding Loyalty

Another issue? Trump made a habit of firing or sidelining military leaders who didn’t personally support him. If a general didn’t go along with his political stunts or called out inappropriate behavior, they were often out. Military experts called this a “loyalty purge”—and it's the exact opposite of what makes a strong, unified defense force.

A military leader’s job is to defend the country, follow lawful orders, and uphold the Constitution—not to kiss the ring of whoever's in the White House.


⚠️ Why This is So Dangerous

When you politicize the military, a few very bad things start to happen:

1. Discipline breaks down. If troops think promotions or punishments depend on politics instead of performance, trust and unity go out the window.


2. It undermines public trust. Americans want to believe the military is on our side—not just serving one political party.


3. It invites authoritarianism. A president who can use the military for his personal gain is no longer playing by the rules of democracy.



Our soldiers take an oath to protect the Constitution—not to serve a political campaign. Once that line gets crossed, it’s hard to walk it back.


🇺🇸 What We Need Going Forward

We need to get back to basics. The military should be respected, well-funded, and ready to protect our freedoms—but never used as a campaign stunt or intimidation tactic. This isn’t just about Trump (though he pushed the boundaries hard). It’s about preserving a system where power is balanced, laws matter, and no one—no matter how popular or powerful—is above the Constitution.

If we want to keep our military strong, we have to keep it neutral. That’s not weakness. That’s real strength.

Want to discuss or share your thoughts? Drop a comment. Let’s keep this conversation going—because democracy isn’t just defended on the battlefield. It starts with us, right here.



📚 Sources & Further Reading (MLA Style)

Cohn, Lindsay. “Civil-Military Relations and Trump’s Threats Against the Military.” War on the Rocks, 2020.

“Donald Trump's Military Parade Was a Disappointing, Sad Affair.” The Guardian, 16 June 2025.

“Trump’s Moves Risk Politicizing the Military.” Associated Press, June 2025.

“Veterans Slam Trump’s Use of Troops in LA Protests.” The Guardian, 9 June 2025.

“Trump Deploys Troops to Los Angeles Despite Governor's Objections.” Los Angeles Times, June 2025.

Mullen, Mike. “I Cannot Remain Silent.” The Atlantic, 3 June 2020.

Pew Research Center. “Public Confidence in the U.S. Military Remains High but Is Declining Among Democrats.” Pew, August 2020.

“The Posse Comitatus Act and the Use of the Military in Domestic Law Enforcement.” Congressional Research Service, 2020.


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