Dannica Ramirez
Thu, June 12, 2025
Recently, we asked active and reserve US military members and veterans to share their honest thoughts on Donald Trump and the Trump administration, and they got incredibly candid. Amid Veterans Affairs layoffs, jeopardizing America's relationship with long-standing allies like Canada, and even using the military as a backdrop for Trump's political rallies, here's how veterans and US military members are responding:
1."Nine-year veteran here. I think Trump is using executive orders to bypass checks and balances among the three branches. Trump's actions make it look like he thinks he is above the law, which is similar to every other dictator in history. It's sad that the judicial and legislative branches don't have more backbone to defend the Constitution against this clown."—Anonymous
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2."I served for over 23 years before retiring. I'm now realizing I may have to pick up arms again because there are too many idiots in the country and in the US military."—Scott, 59, Florida
3."I retired from the USAF. I served during the Cold War, when we kept Russia at arm's length because we knew they couldn't be trusted. Two of my sons served; my daughter-in-law is serving in the Air Force, and my son-in-law is in the Army. I have discouraged two grandsons and three strangers from joining the military, and THAT hurts my heart. I never thought I'd do that. A dangerous man is in charge. God help us." —magicalsquid60
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4."He's the worst president in my lifetime. Him calling veterans 'suckers and losers' says it all!"
—James, 80, Texas
5."I'm a veteran and physician. I just hope that active military members remember that their oath is to the Constitution, not a wannabe dictator. I'm glad I'm at the end of my life, but I feel bad for my son and the younger generations who will suffer for Trump's megalomania. He and his puppets break the Constitution with impunity. And, as a physician, I'm appalled at RFK Jr. being the Secretary of Health."
—evilorc638
6."I believe this country — effectively a plutocracy — is rapidly becoming an oligarchy. Politics aside, I'm mostly dependent on Social Security retirement, VA disability, and subsidized housing, so I'm quite apprehensive about the current administration's attack on all three of those programs. Every day, it seems like we're reverting back to the '50s."—Anonymous, 70
7."I have 30 years of active and reserve duty, primarily during the Cold War. We didn't have Trump and the MAGAs when I served, but I imagine that many in service now may agree with their policies. However, many civilians may not realize that military members have it drilled into them that the US military should not get involved in politics on a professional level. I cannot imagine any service member from my generation taking an active part in action against the American public based on orders coming down the Chain of Command. I don't think that aspect of military service has changed. For those afraid that Trump has no guardrails left in his second term, I believe the military can keep him in check if he ever looks to them to support actions against the Constitution, regardless of his justifications. I want to believe that service members won't shrink from standing up to a dictator."—Anonymous
8."I'm an 80-year-old veteran, and I'm completely appalled by what Trump is committing. I am disgusted, and I feel like our democracy is on the verge of complete collapse."—smartwitch66
9."Never in my life would I have thought I'd ever say the following: Trump, his entire administration, and the entire MAGA cult make me ashamed to be an American! I predict that Trump will declare himself to be the 'Leader of America' for life before the end of his current term. From an Air Force retiree, I fear another civil war is coming."—Glen, 75
10."I'm a veteran. I voted for Trump the first time, but I didn't vote for him the last. He's doing exactly what I thought he would do: be a bully. He talks to our allies the way he should be talking to Putin and his thugs. To me, Trump is disgusting and an embarrassment to our great country. Everything he says is a lie. I don't blame our allies for fighting back; Trump is poison to good people, and I'll be glad when he disappears from office."—Jim, 76, Ohio
11."I'm a 23-year retiree, and I'm embarrassed that I ever served. I feel like I wasted my life in the military. Politicians only care about politicians. I've been shit on by both sides of the aisle, but Republicans have clearly painted veterans to be 'entitled' individuals. We get treated like shit under President Trump."—Anonymous
12."I'm a Cold War vet, and there is absolutely nothing that the current administration can do to convince me that they are not compromised by Russian agents. Today's military leaders need to make sure that their troops know the difference between an illegal order and a lawful one! I see no reason to trust our current political leaders."—edgynugget757
13."I served in the US Army for 33 years under President Reagan, all the way through President Obama. The former Soviet Union has been our enemy since the end of WWII, yet Trump gives them aid and comfort. He pardoned those who partook in an insurrection, and he totally disregards his oath to support the Constitution. I believe he will go down as one of the worst presidents the United States has ever had. I am thankful that I do not currently serve, because I would find it very difficult to obey his orders. I am sad to say that I am extremely disappointed in the American voters for electing a convicted felon, and a person so unworthy to lead this country and represent us on a world stage."—Terry, 60, Florida
14."After giving the Air Force four years of my life for my country, I am now ashamed to be an American! Having turned on our most important allies and treating our fellow Americans like numbers by terminating their jobs without warning...how can anyone respect a moron like the one we have in charge now? I fear for the future of my grandchildren and can only hope we can last until he is replaced! The sooner, the better!"—Tom, 77, New York
15.Lastly: "It appears Trump is consolidating power by forcing qualified people out of their positions and placing MAGA puppets in their stead. As a veteran, I've not seen anything like this in my life. I weep for my country. Trump pardoned Jan. 6 rioters, including those convicted of violent assaults, which undermines the accountability of justice and emboldens extremists to an alarming degree. Our oath was to the Constitution — how do we defend against an unlawful order from this country's leader when he pardons those who have attacked the Capitol? Follow the money. Trump is laying waste to our country while playing golf. I can only pray that our resilience as Americans will get us through the next four years. Stand up!" —purplephone528
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