Former President Trump is rejecting the “ridiculous idea” that he could push for mandatory military service if he is re-elected this year and criticizing a Washington Post article on the issue as an effort to “hurt” him with voters.
“The Fake News Washington Post had the ridiculous idea” that Trump will call for mandatory military service, he stated in a post on Social Truth on Tuesday.
“The story is completely false. In fact, I never thought of that idea.”
“This is just a continuation of your failed EIGHT YEAR attempt to hurt me with voters,” he added.
Trump has not taken a public stance on whether young people should be required to serve in the military. The US has not instituted the military draft since 1973 and military service is voluntary.
The Washington Post story relies heavily on Christopher Miller, who took over the Department of Defense (DOD) at the chaotic end of Trump’s term. At the time of his appointment in November 2020, Trump had lost his re-election bid and fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper with a social media post.
Miller, according to the Post report, is “among a group of influential former administration officials and Republican lawmakers who have mused aloud about a national service mandate.”
In an interview, Miller suggested that a military mandate should be “strongly considered,” according to the report.
It also quotes Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), who is considered a leading candidate to become Trump’s running mate, as saying that a military requirement could be a good idea that would ensure more Americans have “some skin in the game.” .
The Washington Post story notes that the Trump campaign was contacted about the article and “declined to address whether the former president supports mandatory military service.”
Trump’s advisers have also warned that personnel and policy positions will come only from the former president or “an authorized member” of his re-election team, according to the Post article.
Trump has long feuded with media outlets, including The Washington Post, over coverage seen as unfair. A Washington Post spokesperson did not respond to The Hill’s request for comment.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
