Op-ed views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.
Military and veteran support for Trump is a striking phenomenon that has garnered significant attention, and for several meritorious reasons this trend persists today. Reflecting on my journey from captain to engaging with a mentor who rose to the rank of general, I consistently seek guidance from the principles and values that define true patriotism. As my mentor remarked, “We are all Americans, but we are not all patriots.” This stark distinction is deeply ingrained in the military ethos and offers insight into the overwhelming support veterans and active-duty personnel continue to demonstrate for Donald J. Trump.
Traditionally, military and veteran groups have leaned Republican, with approximately 65% aligning with the GOP. Current polling suggests that 65-70% of military and veteran voters support Trump—a slight increase from previous averages in the 2016 and 2020 elections. However, I believe these polls may underreport Trump’s actual support base. Given the exogenous factors at play, such as potential retribution or societal backlash, some patriots may be reluctant to express their preferences overtly. Despite this, the voluminous anecdotal evidence suggests that Trump’s strong loyalty remains robust, bolstered by factors that starkly contrast with Democratic leadership.
The military’s support for Trump is epitomized by his demonstrable respect, gratitude, and appreciation for their service. Trump has shown up—literally and figuratively—attending ceremonies, shaking hands, and meeting with Gold Star families. He has not gone AWOL (like most Democrats) when his presence or voice was requested, and this assertive approach has had a transformational impact on how service members view his leadership. Trump is viewed by many in the military as someone who “has their six,” a quintessential phrase that signifies camaraderie, loyalty, and readiness to protect and serve.
During my time in the military, serving in Desert Storm I and being mobilized to the US/Mexico border during Desert Storm II, I witnessed the duality of political ideologies as they relate to military service. Conversations over the years with thousands of active-duty personnel and veterans reveal that Trump’s support is not just about rhetoric, but stems from a deeper evaluation of policies and actions. Republicans, once seen as the party of war, are now perceived as potential peacemakers and dealer makers. Democrats, despite their traditional opposition to war, are now seen as the party of conflict—propagated by their increased focus on foreign engagements and their support of defense contractors. This perception exacerbates the military and veterans’ frustration, as they feel their service is being undervalued by a party that prioritizes international conflict over domestic concerns. Why are we engaging in pointless wars attempting to solve the world’s problems when we cannot take care of our own country?
Now, we are seeing Kamala Harris and Liz Cheney campaigning as warmongers in Chester County, Pennsylvania. These two are on a platform calling for war, arguing the case, and talking of its benefits, but no conversation about those who will suffer from its repercussions. It was tough enough to witness a Republican campaigning on behalf of a Democrat two weeks from the election, but particularly one who does not fully support the military and its veterans, making it imperative that our voices be heard.
The Democratic Party’s Machiavellian approach, prioritizing political gains through conflict, fortuitously aligns with more extensive defense industry interests. The party has found pointless wars to enter that expand the boundaries of these conflicts that were good for the defense industry but bad for the American people, military, and veterans. This view has become a codified stereotype among military circles, where Democrats are perceived as using the military as a means to an end, without respect for the lives of those serving or the veterans who have already sacrificed. The juxtaposition between this perspective and Trump’s overtly pro-military stance could not be more salient and our voices will be heard.
Then there’s the story of VP candidate Tim Walz and his substantiated act of stolen valor, leaving his unit behind as they deployed to the battlefield, lying about his rank as a Command Sergeant Major, boasting about carrying weapons of war while serving, and then revealing his inability to load and shoot a weapon after claiming to be an expert marksman. Walz’s narrative epitomizes the Democratic Party’s strained relationship with the military, exacerbating veterans’ mistrust.
Three specific contributions from the Trump administration are frequently highlighted in military circles. First, the administration reduced bureaucratic obstacles in the Veterans Affairs system, improving transparency and creating a more efficient, streamlined structure that better serves veterans’ needs by the employees who work in VAs. Second, Trump supported and codified the Veterans Choice program, enabling veterans to seek medical care outside the VA system if services were unavailable within 48 hours. Finally, Trump opened access to experimental treatments for veterans, allowing those with life-threatening conditions to endeavor in treatments previously unavailable under strict FDA regulations.
These changes have had a transformational impact on the quality of life for many veterans who feel that Trump, unlike his Democratic counterparts, recognizes their unique contributions to the country. Considering the antecedent factors, such as a party’s perceived lack of respect, it becomes clear why Trump has garnered such loyalty among the military and veteran community.
Furthermore, many veterans perceive VA employees, most of whom lean Democrat, as unsympathetic to their plight. They enjoy a bureaucratic system with no fear of accountability. This dichotomy exacerbates the divide between the ideologies of the employees and the veterans they serve—one group favors bigger government and internationalism, while the other wants to focus on veterans’ pressing needs.
In conclusion, the commonalities that form the foundation of support for Donald J. Trump within the military and veteran community can be traced to his overt commitment to honoring and respecting those who have served. His policies have mitigated some of the bureaucratic red tape that previously plagued veteran care, and his focus on America first aligns with the values held by those who have fought for their country. As Democrats continue to pursue what many see as an agnostic foreign policy and a disregard for domestic needs, both the military and veterans are left feeling abandoned and disrespected. This sentiment is unlikely to change unless there is a stark shift in how the Democratic Party treats those who have sacrificed the most for the nation.
The next election will likely see an even more extraordinary outpouring of support for Trump from the military and veterans. It is not just about policy—it’s about respect, appreciation, and the feeling that someone, once again, has their six.
Douglas Ernest, author of The Spirit of a True Patriot: The Inspiring Story of Ret. Captain Douglas J. Ernest, is a U.S. Army war veteran and entrepreneur.
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