Latest news with #82ndAirborneDivision
NDTV
10 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
US' Afghan War Veteran Tears Into Trump's "Lack Of Seriousness" Over Iran
Wes Moore, the first Black and 63rd Governor of Maryland, who is also a combat veteran who led troops in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan, is disappointed in US President Donald Trump. He accused Trump of showing "lack of seriousness" in dealing with the Iran-Israel conflict. "As someone who has worn this uniform, and you know, along with my fellow service members risked my life in defence of this country, to see such a free-wheeling conversation about issues of life and death is disappointing," he said in an interview on Thursday. This comes after Trump delivered an "ultimate ultimatum" warning to Iran to not develop a nuclear weapon. Speaking about whether the United States will join Israel in its military offensive against Iran, the US President said, "I may do it, I may not do it - nobody knows what I'm going to do." Just a few hours earlier, Iran's Supreme Leader had said that Iran "will never surrender". He was responding to Donald Trump's call for an "unconditional surrender" from Tehran's regime. Moore, a rising star and a potential candidate for the presidential 2028 run, said that "people's lives (are) on the line" in the ongoing and escalating Middle-East conflict. "These are serious issues and these are very serious times," Moore said. "The lack of seriousness that is surrounding these conversations, the whole 'will I-won't I' playing games is not helpful to this larger conversation", the 46-year-old governor said. Anna Kelly, the White House deputy press secretary, said in a statement, responding to Moore's comment, "Americans overwhelmingly elected President Trump because they trust him to keep our country safe. As the President has said consistently, Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon." Friday marks the eighth day of the Iran-Israel conflict and countries such as Germany, Canada, the UK and Australia have toughened their rhetoric and have demanded a full abandonment of Iran's nuclear program.
Los Angeles Times
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
The awful optics of uniformed troops cheering Trump's partisan applause lines
This past week Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump spoke at a rally. Trump's speech seemed familiar: Disparage Los Angeles ('trash heap'). Criticize Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass ('incompetent, and they paid troublemakers, agitators and insurrectionists'). Restate grievances about the 2020 election ('rigged and stolen'). Chide the crowd to support the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' ('You better push your favorite congressmen'). But this speech was different from his others. The location was Ft. Bragg in North Carolina — and the audience was mostly soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, the 'All Americans.' Internal unit communications revealed soldiers at the rally were screened based on political leanings and physical appearance. 'If soldiers have political views that are in opposition to the current administration,' the guidance advised, 'and they don't want to be in the audience then they need to speak with their leadership and get swapped out.' So what followed was to be expected. A sea of young soldiers in uniform — selected for their preference for the president — cheering and clapping for partisan commentary. This obviously violates Defense Department regulations. Heck, it's even spelled out in a handy Pentagon FAQ: Q. Can I ever wear my uniform when I attend political events? A. No; military members must refrain from participating in political activity while in military uniform in accordance with both DoDD 1344.10 and DoDI 1344.01. This prohibition applies to all Armed Forces members. But what happened during Trump's appearance at the Army base is worse than breaking regs. The commander in chief forced an important unit to choose sides. He broke the All Americans in two. In essence, his statement to the troops there was: 'Those who like me and my politics, come to my rally. The rest of you — beat it.' (Maybe we should start calling them the 'Some Americans.') Imagine what it was like the day after. The soldiers who chose not to attend wondered how their next rating would go. Some lieutenant from California worried if his commander now has a problem with where he's from — and is checking whether he was at the rally. Maybe it's better if he wasn't, and he instead chose to abide by Defense regulations? No matter which way you lean, that speech injected partisan acid into the 82nd Airborne. And it will drip down and corrode from the stars at the top to the lowest-ranking private. Militaries require extraordinary cohesion to function in combat. For those of us who've chosen this profession, one thing is burned into our brains from that very first day our hair's shorn off: We're all we've got. There's nobody else. When you are hundreds and thousands of miles away from everyone else you've ever known, and you're there for weeks and months and a year, you realize just how important the person next to you is, regardless of where they've come from, who their parents are, or whether their community votes red or blue. Fighting units are like five separate fingers that form a fist. Partisan acid burns and weakens our fist. Then there are the indirect effects. This speech damaged the military's standing with a large swath of America. The image of soldiers cheering the partisan applause lines of a commander in chief who just sent thousands of troops to Los Angeles over the state's objections? Not a good look. These optics risk ruining the military's trust with roughly half of America. The military is the last remaining federal institution that a majority of Americans trust 'a great deal.' But it's been slipping since the last Trump administration and may fall under 50%. Yet the military requires firm trust to fund and fill critical needs. That's important because not everyone wants to serve in the military. Many would prefer not to think about the expected self-sacrifice, or the daily discomforts of military discipline. Moreover, not everyone is even able to serve in the military. Roughly three-quarters of young Americans can't qualify. What if someone who would have been the next Mike Mullen — Los Angeles native, Navy admiral and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs — gets turned off by this rally and opts against the Naval Academy? Then zoom out a little. What if much of California takes offense at this speech, not to mention at the soldiers and Marines so recently forced upon the local and state governments? California hosts more active-duty troops than any other state — by a wide margin. It's also the biggest donor state in the country, contributing $83 billion more to the federal government than it receives. The bases and other strategic locations up and down the Pacific Coast are beyond value. California is America's strong right arm. To sever California's support for the military is simply unthinkable. It just can't happen. We've got to fix this. The first fix is simple. Hold troops to the accepted standards. Hegseth's most recent book argued that the Defense Department has 'an integrity and accountability problem.' Here's the secretary's chance to show America he stands for standards. But we know mistakes happen, and this could become a powerful teachable moment: When the commander in chief orders troops to such an event, the only acceptable demeanor is the stone cold silence the generals and admirals of the Joint Chiefs display at the State of the Union, regardless of their politics and regardless of what the president is saying. Just a few years ago, two Marines in a similarly awful situation did just this right thing. A further fix calls for more individuals to act: The roughly 7,500 retired generals and admirals in America need to speak up. The military profession's nonpartisan ethic is at a breaking point. They know the old military saying: When you spot something substandard, and you fail to correct it, then you've just set a new standard. The reason many of these retired senior officers often don't speak out is their fear that defending neutrality risks having a political impact. Yet their continued silence carries a grave institutional effect — the slow-motion suicide of the profession that gave them their stars. The president mentioned Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in his speech, and it's too bad his speechwriter didn't include a certain anecdote that would've fit the occasion. When the Civil War was over and terms were being agreed upon at Appomattox Court House, Lee noticed Col. Ely Parker, a Tonawanda Seneca man serving on Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's staff. Lee quipped, 'I am glad to see one real American here.' To which Parker replied, 'We are all Americans.' Since that very moment, we've been one country and one Army, All Americans, indivisible and inseparable from society. If only we can keep it. ML Cavanaugh is the author of the forthcoming book 'Best Scar Wins: How You Can Be More Than You Were Before.' @MLCavanaugh
Politico
a day ago
- Politics
- Politico
Wes Moore accuses Trump of ‘a lack of seriousness' in dealing with Iran
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a combat veteran who led troops in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan, accused President Donald Trump of displaying 'a lack of seriousness' in dealing with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. 'As someone who has worn this uniform, and you know, along with my fellow service members risked my life in defense of this country, to see such a free-wheeling conversation about issues of life and death is disappointing,' Moore said in an interview Thursday. Moore's comments come a day after Trump said at the White House that he delivered an 'ultimate ultimatum' to leaders in Tehran about disarming their nuclear program while also telling reporters 'I may do it, I may not do it' with regard to the U.S. striking Iran's nuclear sites. On Thursday, the White House said Trump will make a decision on whether to strike Iran within two weeks. Moore, seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party and a potential 2028 presidential contender, emphasized the huge stakes at play in the ongoing and escalating Mideast conflict. 'These are serious issues and these are very serious times,' Moore said. 'The lack of seriousness that is surrounding these conversations, the whole 'will I-won't I' playing games is not helpful to this larger conversation. … These are people's lives on the line.' The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The first-term governor has been sharpening his critiques of the Trump administration after previously saying he was 'not the leader of the resistance.' Moore had previously railed against the Trump administration's issuing pink slips to federal workers and said those moves posed a threat to the nation's national security and global competitiveness. Moore's comments come as the nation is observing Juneteenth, a federal holiday that marks the official end of slavery in the nation and a day where the governor unveiled a series of actions, including one that makes some 7,000 people convicted for simple cannabis possession eligible for pardon. The nation's only Black governor, who is up for reelection in 2026, has been criticized by some in his party over a decision to veto a reparation's bill passed by Maryland's Democratic-controlled state Legislature. The measure called for a yearslong study of race-based inequality in the state. Recently, Moore has been raising his national profile ahead of a potential bid for the White House — even as he continues to publicly deny he's running. He was in early primary state South Carolina last month delivering a brief speech at Rep. Jim Clyburn's annual fish fry, and also served as the keynote speaker at a South Carolina Democratic Party dinner and fundraiser — both must-attend events for Democratic White House hopefuls. In early May, Moore traveled to Pennsylvania, one of the nation's most important swing states, to deliver a commencement address at Lincoln University, a historically Black college, while also appearing on 'The View.' In March, he served as the headliner at the annual Gridiron Club dinner. When asked Thursday whether his time in South Carolina changed his mind about launching a presidential run, he responded: 'The reception was very good. And I'm still not running.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Reporter's Notebook: Recalling an American WWII hero who helped fight off Nazi forces during Normandy invasion
The 81st anniversary of the famous U.S.-led D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, was recently commemorated. Less well-known are the battles during the days and weeks that followed in Normandy, which helped secure the massive beachhead, so the allies could go on and defeat Nazi Germany in World II. One of those clashes was at a bridge over a small river near the town of Sainte-Mère-Église. Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division landed near there early on the morning of June 6, 1944. They had to hold the position against Germans threatening American forces who came ashore at Utah beach, one of the main landing sites. Reporter's Notebook: Remembering Courage On The 81St Anniversary Of D-day One of those was Iowa-born 31-year-old U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Owens. For three days, as his unit was cut down in combat from 45 to just 12 men, he bravely helped fight off the Germans. Read On The Fox News App He fired from three different machine gun positions, threw hand grenades, commanded bazooka teams and moved from foxhole to foxhole, coordinating action. The actions of him and his men eventually knocked out four German tanks, killed 275 German soldiers and stopped the Nazis dead in their tracks. It was hailed by historians as a key battle of the Normandy invasion. On a recent day alongside the river in the now green and peaceful countryside, after years of research and lobbying at the Pentagon and in Congress, Owens was recognized for his valor in a ceremony during which his honors were upgraded to Distinguished Service Cross, the second most important medal the Army can bestow. Chris Donahue, the commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe and Africa, told Fox News Owens' actions were "incredibly important. What Owens did is the exact model that all of us try to live up to." On 81St Anniversary Of D-day, One Us Navy Veteran's Son Is The First American Pope Owens died at the age of 54 in 1967. His youngest daughter, British-raised Susan Marrow, said, "I don't have words to describe how full my heart is and how much it means to me." His great-grandson, Harris Morales, was also proud to be there, saying, "without a doubt," Owens was a brave guy. As for the new recognition of Owens, he added, "It means everything, and I still don't believe it. It's still not real for me yet." This comes at a time the world remains in turmoil from Ukraine to the Mideast and beyond. While 81 years seems like a long time ago, the heroism and inventiveness displayed by Owens then is still seen as relevant today. "It is important," Morales said. "I don't think 81 years or any time is too long." Speaking from a military standpoint, Gen. Donahue noted, "We're in the middle of a transformation, and we're going to continue to do that so we live up to what they have done." As for lessons learned then, Owens' daughter had a simple answer, saying, "Do unto others as you would have them do onto you." Sometimes, as in the case of Staff Sgt. William Owens, the dangerous behavior of "others" means acting with the greatest and sometimes brutal article source: Reporter's Notebook: Recalling an American WWII hero who helped fight off Nazi forces during Normandy invasion
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Army is set to celebrate 250 years with a parade that coincides with Trump's birthday
WASHINGTON (AP) — The massive military parade that President Donald Trump has long wanted is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday evening, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops. And the biggest question marks are whether it will be overshadowed or delayed by either the weather in Washington or planned protests elsewhere around the country. Falling on Trump's 79th birthday, the parade was added just a few weeks ago to the Army's long-planned 250th anniversary celebration. It has triggered criticism for its price tag of up to $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route. The daylong display of America's Army comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use his fighting forces in ways other U.S. presidents have typically avoided, inviting an array of lawsuits and accusations that he is politicizing the military. He has deployed the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests tied to immigration raids. It marks the first time in 60 years that a president activated the National Guard on federal orders inside a state without a governor's permission, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit to stop the deployments. Earlier in the week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump and they booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. There also was a pop-up 'Make America Great Again' merchandise stand nearby selling souvenirs to troops in uniform. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of Congress and military leaders have expressed concerns about the political displays during the speech at Fort Bragg. Trump so far has shrugged off concerns about the parade cost, the rainy forecast and the potential for protests. 'What a day it will be!!!' Trump wrote on his social media site, adding later that he hoped the weather would cooperate but that if it doesn't, 'that brings you good luck. That's OK too. Doesn't matter. Doesn't affect the tanks at all. Doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart.' As for the protests, he warned that 'they will be met with very big force.' The 'No Kings' rallies planned in hundreds of cities nationwide are meant to counter what organizers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., however, and officials have said they so far have no indication of any security threat. About 6 in 10 Americans say Saturday's parade is 'not a good use' of government money, including the vast majority of people, 78%, who neither approve nor disapprove of the parade overall, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The parade will wind down Constitution Avenue, which is already lined with security fencing and barriers. Army helicopters and aircraft will fly above, and the march will be capped off by a parachute jump, a concert featuring 'God Bless the U.S.A.' singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks. With rain expected, there is a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the march will go on rain or shine. But it could be delayed if there is lightning, with authorities quick to empty the expansive National Mall if it happens during major events. The parade fulfills Trump's expressed desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first presidential term after seeing one in France on Bastille Day in 2017. Trump said that after watching the two-hour procession along the famed Champs-Élysées, he wanted an even grander one on Pennsylvania Avenue. The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade. The festival will begin around 9:30 a.m. EDT and feature fitness competitions, demonstrations, equipment displays, music and a cake-cutting ceremony. The parade is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT, but parts of it — including the horse-drawn caissons and other units — start at the Pentagon, head over a bridge and meet up with some of the heavier tanks and equipment. Officials did not want the more-than-60-ton M1A1 Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles crossing the bridge. Timed down to the minute, the march will be divided into sections by history — with equipment and troops in full dress from each period. It will include a total of 6,169 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery, while 62 aircraft fly overhead. At the end of the parade, Trump will swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops, and the Army's Golden Knights parachute team will jump onto the Mall. That will be followed by the concert and fireworks. ____ Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price and Tara Copp contributed to this report.
