Trump Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz, Threatens Power Grid Strikes 
U.S. Senate Confirms Markwayne Mullin as New Homeland Security Secretary 
Trump Visits Graceland, Pays Tribute to Elvis Presley During Memphis Trip 
Trump Signals U.S. Nearing End of Military Goals in Iran War, Shifts Hormuz Responsibility to Regional Nations 
Ukraine-U.S. Peace Talks in Florida Target Ceasefire Framework and Defense Cooperation 
Australia-EU Free Trade Deal Signed After Years of Negotiations 
Iran Threatens Gulf Infrastructure as U.S.-Israel War Enters Critical 48-Hour Window 
Trump Administration Eyes Iran's Ghalibaf as Potential Negotiating Partner 
Ukraine Accuses Russia of Sharing Intelligence With Iran to Prolong Middle East Conflict 
Trump Threatens ICE Airport Deployment Amid TSA Shutdown Crisis 
Federal Reserve Crisis: DOJ Standoff Threatens Powell's Succession and Rate Stability 
U.S.-Iran War Escalates: Marines Deploy, Strait of Hormuz Closure Drives Global Oil Crisis 
Cuba-U.S. Military Tensions: Havana Warns It Is Ready to Defend Itself Against Potential American Aggression 
US-Iran War: Trump Eyes Military Exit as Markets React to Potential De-escalation 
Trump's Shifting War Goals Against Iran: A Timeline of Contradictions 
Israel Eyes Litani River as New Border Amid Escalating Lebanon Offensive 
Kim Jong Un Declares Nuclear Forces Permanent, Labels South Korea "Most Hostile State" 
Following the report that surfaced in The Atlantic last week about Donald Trump’s alleged comments about the military, Trump continues to go on the defensive by repeatedly denying such comments were made. In what has become a surprising move, Trump has now targeted military officials in his verbal attacks.
While speaking at a White House news conference, Trump attacked military leaders and accused them of starting conflicts to benefit military contractors. His comments come as critics remained to seize upon his 2018 comments during the 2018 visit to France, along with his attacks on his own military cabinet members and known veterans. This has led to frayed relations between Trump and the officials at the Pentagon.
“I’m not saying the military’s in love with me -- the soldiers are, the top people in the Pentagon probably aren’t because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of these wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy,” said Trump.
Despite Trump, the White House, and close aides strongly denying that such comments were made and questioning the legitimacy of the sources in the Atlantic piece, other outlets have confirmed parts of the piece. A former administration official has also confirmed to CNN that such comments were made.
This has led to criticism towards Trump by former military officials, such as retired US Navy Rear Admiral John Kirby. Kirby said that Trump’s comments undermine the service and motivations of the military leaders.
Pentagon officials did not comment on the issue, citing that the military should remain out of politics, especially as Trump is currently campaigning for reelection in November. However, during an online forum at Defense One, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville came to the defense of his colleagues against Trump’s accusations.
“Many of these leaders have sons and daughters that serve in the military, many of these leaders have sons and daughters who have gone to combat or may be in combat right now. I can assure the American people that the senior leaders would only recommend sending our troops to combat when it is required in national security and in the last resort. We take this very, very, seriously in how we make our recommendations,” said McConville.
