1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

Recent reports about the 82nd Airborne Division being used as a backdrop for a partisan campaign-style speech by Donald Trump are deeply alarming. The idea that active-duty soldiers may have been screened for political loyalty before attending—if true—raises grave concerns about the politicization of our armed forces. Our military is supposed to remain apolitical, serving all Americans, not acting as props for any one candidate or party. Even more disturbing are the verified images of uniformed service members purchasing Trump campaign merchandise from outside vendors who were allegedly allowed into the event. This is not just unethical—it potentially violates multiple Department of Defense regulations, including prohibitions on active-duty personnel engaging in partisan political activity while in uniform. This isn’t about party lines. This is about preserving the bedrock principle that our military serves the Constitution, not a political figure. Using service members as campaign optics, encouraging them—implicitly or directly—to display partisan allegiance, and treating a base like a campaign rally venue is a dangerous step toward authoritarianism. The American public deserves answers. Who approved this event? Were service members pressured to attend or show support? What safeguards are in place to ensure our military remains loyal to the rule of law and not to any single person? We cannot afford to ignore these warning signs. The erosion of the apolitical military tradition puts our democracy at risk. If the armed forces are being radicalized to follow a man over their constitutional duty, then who will protect all of us—regardless of who we vote for? We need transparency, accountability, and a reaffirmation of the military’s commitment to constitutional democracy. Anything less endangers the very freedom our service members swore to protect.