Following the report that surfaced in The Atlantic last week about Donald Trump’s alleged comments about the military, Trump continues to go on the defensive by repeatedly denying such comments were made. In what has become a surprising move, Trump has now targeted military officials in his verbal attacks.
While speaking at a White House news conference, Trump attacked military leaders and accused them of starting conflicts to benefit military contractors. His comments come as critics remained to seize upon his 2018 comments during the 2018 visit to France, along with his attacks on his own military cabinet members and known veterans. This has led to frayed relations between Trump and the officials at the Pentagon.
“I’m not saying the military’s in love with me — the soldiers are, the top people in the Pentagon probably aren’t because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of these wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy,” said Trump.
Despite Trump, the White House, and close aides strongly denying that such comments were made and questioning the legitimacy of the sources in the Atlantic piece, other outlets have confirmed parts of the piece. A former administration official has also confirmed to CNN that such comments were made.
This has led to criticism towards Trump by former military officials, such as retired US Navy Rear Admiral John Kirby. Kirby said that Trump’s comments undermine the service and motivations of the military leaders.
Pentagon officials did not comment on the issue, citing that the military should remain out of politics, especially as Trump is currently campaigning for reelection in November. However, during an online forum at Defense One, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville came to the defense of his colleagues against Trump’s accusations.
“Many of these leaders have sons and daughters that serve in the military, many of these leaders have sons and daughters who have gone to combat or may be in combat right now. I can assure the American people that the senior leaders would only recommend sending our troops to combat when it is required in national security and in the last resort. We take this very, very, seriously in how we make our recommendations,” said McConville.