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WASHINGTON – Members of Congress are urging the Pentagon’s leaders to ensure that the military remains apolitical during the upcoming presidential election and that active-duty troops are not used unlawfully as a domestic police force.
With the first presidential vote since the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol on the horizon, concerns have been raised about the politicization of the military.
Former President Donald Trump’s continued claims of election fraud despite evidence to the contrary have raised alarms among lawmakers. They are seeking assurances from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. CQ Brown that the military will not be used inappropriately for political purposes.
The letter authored by Democratic Reps. Elissa Slotkin and Mikie Sherrill underscores the importance of upholding U.S. law that prohibits the military from engaging in civilian law enforcement activities and following only lawful orders.
The concerns stem from Project 2025, an ultraconservative blueprint that raises fears of the military being deployed to police the southern border. While not affiliated with Trump’s campaign, the document’s proposals have sparked debate and concern among policymakers.
Slotkin emphasized the need for military leaders to remain principled and not succumb to political influences. Both Slotkin and Sherrill emphasized the critical role the military plays in upholding democracy and the rule of law.
As the election approaches, lawmakers are looking to defense officials to affirm their commitment to a nonpartisan military and to prevent any misuse of military forces for political purposes.
Austin, in a statement to reporters, reiterated the need for the Department of Defense to remain apolitical and assured that steps would be taken to ensure the military does not become politicized.
While federal law prohibits the use of the military for law enforcement purposes, the Insurrection Act allows for the deployment of military units in certain circumstances. This has raised concerns about the potential misuse of military forces in domestic matters.
As the election draws near, concerns persist about the politicization of the military and the need to maintain its integrity and adherence to established laws.
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