Coming out to the opening notes of Van Halen’s “Jump,” heavy applause and chants of “USA,” Hegseth at a campaign event Monday quickly launched into a full-throated endorsement of Gallrein, whom he described as a reinforcement to Trump’s agenda.
“President Trump needs reinforcements, and that’s what war fighters do. They stand behind leaders and have their back,” the former Army National Guard infantry officer said.
Massie, a libertarian who has criticized the Iran war and unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel, has been a thorn in the president’s side on numerous issues. He most recently joined House Democrats in voting for a resolution that would have directed Trump to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran.
Hegseth painted Massie as an obstructionist, arguing that, “At some point, being against everything becomes an excuse for accomplishing nothing.”
Massie’s record “speaks for itself,” Hegseth said. “Too much grandstanding, too few great votes, years of acting like being difficult is the same thing as being courageous. It’s not. "
The appearance marks a breach of the tradition that a serving Defense secretary stay away from such political activities to maintain the military’s apolitical image.
Hegseth touched on the unusual nature of his attendance, saying, “I have to say up front, for the lawyers, that I’m here in my personal capacity as a private citizen, a fellow American, and a fellow combat veteran.”
Though he is no longer in uniform himself, Hegseth’s stance runs counter to the Pentagon’s long-standing military directive that prohibits service members from displaying political views while in uniform.
Pentagon guidelines also direct civilian employees and military members alike to be “mindful of the various limitations that exist when it comes to participation in political activity, particularly during an election year.”
Read the full report at thehill.com.
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