TRUMP VS. THE ROGUE MILITARY

The Politicized Military, the DEI Promotion Path, and the Challenge of Restoring Civilian Authority

Executive Summary

The U.S. military has always been bound by a principle older than the Republic itself: civilian control of the armed forces. Yet under Donald J. Trump’s presidency, that principle came under unprecedented strain. Senior generals, including James Mattis and Mark Milley, circumvented or resisted Trump’s lawful orders. Nearly 500 retired generals, admirals, and intelligence chiefs signed public letters in 2020 endorsing Joe Biden over Trump. Within the ranks, a new promotion track rooted in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) philosophy rewarded ideological conformity over combat readiness. This paper examines how these dynamics converged to create a politicized military establishment, assesses the strategic consequences abroad, and proposes a corrective path for Trump to restore the armed forces to their constitutional mission.

1. Civil-Military Relations in Historical Context

The U.S. military is designed to follow, not to govern. But history shows recurring friction: - Truman vs. MacArthur (1951): Truman fired Gen. Douglas MacArthur for defying civilian control during the Korean War, cementing the principle of military subordination. - Vietnam era (1960s–70s): Generals often shaded reports to suit political narratives, sparking distrust between the Pentagon and civilian leadership. - Obama years (2009–2016): Generals like Stanley McChrystal and David Petraeus blurred boundaries by engaging in partisan commentary or transitioning directly into politics. The Trump era did not invent politicization — but it brought it into the open.

2. The Milley–Mattis Sabotage

James Mattis (SecDef 2017–2018) resigned over Trump’s Syria withdrawal order and later publicly denounced Trump. Mark Milley (CJCS 2019–2023) reportedly circumvented Trump’s Syria withdrawal order and even reassured Chinese counterparts he would provide advance warning of U.S. military action. Both elevated their own strategic views above the President’s lawful directives, marking a de facto military veto of civilian leadership.

3. The 2020 Letters Against Trump

In Sept.–Oct. 2020, nearly 500 retired generals, admirals, and national security officials signed open letters endorsing Joe Biden and condemning Trump. Signatories included Paul Selva, James Stavridis, Michael Hayden, and Mike Mullen. Each signatory commanded dozens of protégés during their career. Across 200+ military signatories, this equates to dozens of current generals/admirals and hundreds of colonels/captains influenced. The letters framed Trump as a threat to democracy, but their partisan thrust was unmistakable.

4. The Rise of DEI as a Promotion Track

By 2015, DEI became embedded in Pentagon personnel policy. Promotion board guidance emphasized inclusive leadership and climate survey scores. Officers in billets such as academies, personnel directorates, and inspector general offices could leverage DEI performance into faster promotions. Rough estimates: 5,000–10,000 mid-grade officers benefited materially; 90–130 generals/admirals advanced via DEI compliance; and thousands of NCOs absorbed compliance culture. Merit-based combat readiness was diluted, replaced by a parallel ideological track.

5. Strategic Consequences Abroad

While America turned inward, adversaries seized the moment: - China expanded naval basing in the South Pacific and dual-use ports in South America. - Russia entrenched military and intelligence presence in Venezuela and Nicaragua. - Iran deepened proxy networks in Latin America. Instead of projecting strength, the U.S. projected confusion, leaving adversaries freer to operate in the Western Hemisphere.

6. Policy Recommendations for Trump

1. Reassert Civilian Supremacy: Executive orders mandating immediate compliance reporting; legal penalties for circumvention. 2. Depoliticize Retired Influence: Restrict partisan endorsements by retired flag officers; establish cooling-off period. 3. Eliminate DEI from Promotions: Remove DEI criteria from evaluations; reinstate combat proficiency as promotion determinant. 4. Re-Orient to External Threats: Expand U.S. naval and air presence in the Caribbean and South Atlantic; prioritize countering Chinese, Russian, and Iranian penetration in the Americas.

Conclusion

The Trump presidency exposed a new kind of rogue warrior: generals in the press and in back rooms undermining a duly elected president. Coupled with DEI-driven promotions, this has created an officer corps partly shaped by ideology rather than mission. If Trump is to restore America’s military, he must reassert civilian authority, depoliticize the ranks, strip DEI from promotions, and refocus on adversaries abroad. The cost of inaction: America risks an armed force that serves politics first, defense second.

References

- CBS News, Nearly 500 ex-military, national security officials endorse Biden, Sept. 2020. - Axios, Former VCJCS Paul Selva among Biden endorsers, 2020. - Woodward & Costa, Peril

(2021). - DoD DEI promotion guidelines, OPM, 2016–2021. - CRS: Chinese influence in Latin America (2022). - Wilson Center: Russian & Iranian activity in Venezuela (2021).