Rep. Deluzio Questions Gen. Caine on Military's Role in Political Events

Military Apolitical Nature

• 🎖️ The apolitical nature of the military is a deeply respected value, upholding civilian control up to the commander-in-chief.
• 🏛️ This tradition is codified in the oath of office and the Constitution, emphasizing loyalty to the Constitution over partisan loyalty.
• 🇺🇸 The American people should care about this norm, expecting senior military commanders to understand that partisan loyalty does not matter.

Commanders in Difficult Positions

• ⚠️ Concerns are raised about difficult positions commanders may be placed in, citing the Fort Bragg event as an example.
• 📜 Active service members are briefed annually on the Hatch Act, which outlines clear guidelines on what they can and cannot do politically.
• 🤝 While commanders would decline orders to attend a campaign rally, the issue is civilian leadership placing them in such situations.

Fort Bragg Event Concerns

• 🗣️ President Trump's remarks at Fort Bragg included calling political rivals incompetent and referring to them with derogatory labels.
• 🗳️ The president also referenced the lie that he didn't lose the 2020 election, stating it was rigged and stolen.
• 📢 These remarks were made in front of troops who were ordered to attend the event, which also featured campaign merchandise sales and invitations to a campaign website.

General Caine's Response

• 🚫 General Caine expressed that answering the question would involve him in politics, stating that the chairman and the force should stay out of politics.
• 🤝 He appreciated the question but believed it was not an appropriate question for him to answer.
• 😟 The representative expressed concern for the positions senior leaders are placed in and urged the General to advise the President to stop such actions.