The Military's Opinions on Donald Trump: A Deep Dive

Donald Trump's approval ratings among the general public have been a topic of debate, but his standing with the military has received less attention. This article delves into the military's opinions on Donald Trump, as reported through personal accounts and surveys, and discusses the reasons behind their support.

Trump's Popularity Among Veterans

According to recent polls conducted by organizations like Military Times, the military generally exhibits a higher level of approval for former President Donald Trump compared to the current administration. One standout example is a Military Times poll that reveals a significant disconnect between military personnel and the public, particularly where former President Joe Biden is concerned.

Interestingly, the military's sentiment towards Biden does not reflect a high approval rate. In fact, a significant portion of military personnel have reservations about Biden's tenure, a phenomenon that has led to a notable increase in Republican veteran candidates running for office. This political shift highlights the broader sentiment within the military community about the incumbent's policies and leadership style.

Personal Accounts from the Field

To gain a better understanding of the military's perspective, it is instructive to hear from service members directly. One example comes from a friend who has a son in the Army, now serving for 22 years. The son and his comrades in the Ranger Regiment under then-President Trump found that they were able to achieve more results in combating Al Qaeda and ISIS in just under three years compared to the combined eight years of both Obama and George W. Bush's presidencies.

The friend shared that under Obama, military operations were often hindered by overly restrictive rules of engagement (ROE). In many cases, the team had to seek approval from higher command, including JSOC, the White House, and even legal advisors, which sometimes resulted in strikes being canceled despite the presence of a valid target. This approach led to a decrease in operational effectiveness and morale.

Under Trump, while clear ROEs were still in place, there was more decisiveness in the battlefield. Warfighters and their leaders could often make on-the-spot decisions about engaging targets without the need for extensive approvals. This flexibility allowed for more effective and timely interventions.

America First Policy and Military Respect

Donald Trump's America First policy resonated deeply with the military community. Many veterans and active-duty personnel believe that Trump kept his promises to the voters, particularly those serving in the military. This perception is reinforced by the fact that Trump fulfilled campaign pledges to restore confidence and respect in the military.

Service members have long recognized Trump for his unwavering support for the armed forces. Trump's 90% approval rating within the military reflects the belief that he truly values the sacrifices of military personnel. Furthermore, this approval is seen as justified because Trump's commitment to the military surpassed that of other presidents. For instance, the citation from a history student about the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with only a couple of votes in the Senate highlights Trump's dedication to ensuring the well-being of the military.

Military personnel also appreciate the President for his no-nonsense approach and his willingness to make tough decisions. The sentiment that Trump "wouldn't let Iran have 20 billion dollars" underscores his perceived toughness and unwillingness to compromise on national security.

Senior Officers and Media Perspectives

In evaluating the military's opinions on Donald Trump, it is important to consider the influence of senior officers and the media. Some senior military leaders and media outlets, such as the Army Times, have been known to present viewpoints that align with the Administration's interests. This can lead to a biased portrayal of events and a skewed understanding of the military's true sentiments.

For a more accurate reflection of military opinion, it is crucial to focus on perspectives shared by military personnel themselves. Many veterans and active-duty service members openly express their admiration for Trump's leadership, highlighting the tangible differences in military operations and support under his tenure.

One individual who served for over 20 years in the Army and retired near a major army post emphasizes the importance of listening to service members directly. They argue that senior officers and propagandists often have ulterior motives and may misrepresent the true feelings of the military community.

To conclude, the military's support for Donald Trump is rooted in their personal experiences and the tangible changes that occurred during his presidency. While the broader public may have differing opinions, the military community remains steadfast in its belief that Trump was the Best President Ever for the armed forces.

Conclusion

The approval ratings and positive sentiment from the military towards Donald Trump are not just theoretical; they are based on real-world experiences and actions taken during his presidency. His America First policies, direct support for the military, and willingness to make tough decisions have earned him the admiration and respect of many within the service. As the narrative around military approval continues to evolve, it is essential to consider the firsthand accounts of those who serve and have served.