The increasing politicization of the U.S. military under the Trump administration is generating significant concern, with former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, General (Ret.) Ben Hodges, warning of a potential erosion of trust among both American citizens and key allies. In an interview with “Handelsblatt”, Hodges expressed alarm over the perceived instrumentalization of the armed forces for domestic political objectives.
Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to cities governed by Democratic politicians and to Washington D.C. has been defended as necessary for combating crime and protecting federal agencies. However, Hodges questioned the legitimacy of these justifications, suggesting that “many of the alleged occasions are artificially induced”. This blurring of lines between military function and partisan politics, he argues, risks undermining the credibility of the U.S. military, a critical asset for international stability.
Beyond the domestic implications, Hodges also addressed the escalating provocations from Russia, specifically the recent incursions into NATO airspace. He urged a more decisive and robust response from the West, criticizing a perceived lack of urgency in dealing with what he characterizes as Russia’s “war of coercion”. The veteran officer cautioned against allowing President Vladimir Putin to be misled into believing NATO is weak or ill-prepared, a miscalculation he warned could embolden further Russian aggression even after the conflict in Ukraine concludes. Maintaining a unified and demonstrably capable NATO, Hodges emphasized, is paramount to deterring future escalation and safeguarding transatlantic security. His comments reflect a growing anxiety within and beyond the U.S. military establishment regarding the long-term consequences for national security stemming from the erosion of political and military objectivity.