A former US Army commander in Europe, General Ben Hodges, is urging active and retired military leaders to protest against the misuse of the US military by President Donald Trump. According to Hodges, the oath of office belongs to the Constitution, not the President.
Hodges is criticizing a military parade ordered by Trump for this Saturday, ostensibly to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army, but also coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday. He calls the parade a “terrible idea” and claims it is not in the tradition of the US military, except for welcoming troops returning from a deployment.
Hodges accuses the Trump administration of demanding that the US military display strength in a way reminiscent of authoritarian regimes in North Korea, Russia, or other countries, as a means of intimidation. He cites the example of former President Dwight Eisenhower, who was appalled by the idea of a military parade, as recalled by Hodges.
Given the current political situation and the military deployment against demonstrators in Los Angeles, Hodges believes the parade is particularly disturbing, as it is aimed at intimidating US citizens rather than foreign enemies. He suggests that the parade is part of a deliberate strategy to demonstrate strength against Americans, not against foreign adversaries.
Hodges also criticizes the parade in the context of Trump’s recent divisive speeches and the deployment of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles. He argues that it is the duty of high-ranking military leaders in uniform to provide their best military advice to civilian leadership, even if it is not requested or not wanted.
Hodges is unsure if the highest military leaders are fulfilling this duty, given the many inappropriate actions currently taking place and suggests that either they are not expressing their concerns in an appropriate and effective manner or that these concerns are being ignored.
According to Hodges, it is the responsibility of retired generals and admirals to hold their political leadership accountable and to remind their active comrades in uniform of their duty to protect and defend the Constitution.