The president-elect's previous threats of employing "military" force against his political adversaries, whom he referred to as "the enemy from within," have left officials on edge. The Washington Post, as reported by The Independent, reveals that the prospect of a second Trump administration has sparked fears of "chaotic decision-making" and "abrupt leadership changes" among Pentagon staff and military personnel.
According to an anonymous Defense Department official, the unease is palpable. "People around here are used to transitions — but a lot of them were around for the Trump administration," the official shared. The apprehension stems from their experiences during Trump's first term, which was marked by unpredictability and sudden shifts in leadership.
TRUMP TRANSITION: WHEN YOU LOSE ALL TRUST IN THE FBI, THIS HAPPENS...
In an attempt to quell the rising anxiety, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a memo to personnel staff following the announcement of Trump's victory. Austin, a retired general, assured the staff of a "calm, orderly, and professional transition to the incoming Trump administration." He emphasized that the U.S. military will continue to maintain its distance from the political arena, ready to implement the policy choices of its next Commander in Chief and obey all "lawful" orders from its civilian chain of command.
WHO IS KASH PATEL AND WHY DID TRUMP PICK HIM TO LEAD THE FBI?
However, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh declined to elaborate on why Austin specified "lawful" orders and refrained from engaging in "hypotheticals." This has led to speculation and further fueled the concerns of Pentagon officials.
STRANGER THINGS: ELON MUSK GETS BUY-IN FROM VERY UNLIKELY ALLY!
November 09, 2024
Critics argue that Trump lacks an understanding of the nonpartisan nature of the military. Richard Kohn, a professor and military historian at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, warned of the "great danger the military faces" under a second Trump administration. He expressed concern over a potential "rapid erosion of its professionalism," which could undermine the military's status and respect among the American people. "Mr. Trump does not have a real understanding of civil-military relations, or the importance of a nonpartisan, nonpolitical military," Kohn added.
TRUMP RESPONDS TO BIDEN'S DECISION TO PARDON HUNTER—IN TRUE TRUMP FASHION!
There is also apprehension that Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr, the Biden-appointed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, may not complete his term once Trump assumes office. Earlier this year, Brown responded to Trump's suggestion of allowing Russia to do "whatever the hell they want" to NATO members who did not contribute enough to the alliance. Brown emphasized the U.S.'s responsibility to uphold its alliances and the importance of its credibility and leadership.
WATCH: NY SENATOR WANTS TO SECEDE
In response to these concerns, Trump campaign national spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reassured that the American public had given Trump "a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail. He will deliver."
However, the political turmoil of Trump's first term has led to a number of his former top officials speaking out against him. General Mark Milley, Trump's former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was accused of treason by Trump, who even suggested he should be "executed." Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who was fired by Trump, has expressed his belief that Trump is a threat to democracy. John Bolton, Trump's former National Security adviser, has also denounced Trump, claiming he is "not fit" to be president.
DEM MEGA DONOR: "IF YOU CAN'T RUN A CAMPAIGN YOU SURE CAN'T RUN A COUNTRY"
As the U.S. braces for a potential second Trump administration, the apprehension within the Pentagon underscores the challenges that lie ahead. The military's commitment to professionalism and nonpartisanship will be tested, and the nation will watch closely to see how these concerns are addressed.
