Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mike Rogers (R-AL), and Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Ken Calvert (R-CA) are calling out President Joe Biden for his use of United States Marines as political props during his speech on September 1.
In a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the lawmakers point out that Biden’s order for the Marines’ participation jeopardized their compliance with Department of Defense regulations and called for accountability and answers to restore Americans’ trust in the military.
“We are gravely concerned that throughout the entirety of this partisan, politically charged, and divisive address to the nation, two United States Marines were visibly present flanking the President in the background. The President’s use of active duty Marines as political props undermines the apolitical nature of our servicemembers and erodes trust in our military,” the lawmakers wrote.
In the letter, the lawmakers pointed out two military regulations that were violated by Biden’s involvement of Marines in this political event.
“American men and women in uniform swear a solemn oath to defend the Constitution. They do not serve a political party. On several occasions before committees of Congress and at other public events, both you and General Milley have reinforced this fact. You’ve expressed your concern about politicization of the military and have insisted the military will not become a political instrument under your watch. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened with the participation of the Marines at this political event,” the lawmakers continued.
Read the full letter here.
Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2022/9/stefanik-rogers-calvert-call-out-biden-s-use-of-u-s-marines-as-political-props
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