Former President Donald Trump has vehemently dismissed the notion that he would advocate for mandatory military service if he wins the upcoming election, labeling the idea as “ridiculous” and criticizing a Washington Post article for attempting to undermine his reputation with voters.
Trump took to Truth Social on Tuesday to address the claim. “The Fake News Washington Post concocted this absurd idea,” he stated, emphasizing, “The story is entirely false. I never even considered such a proposal.”
He further commented, “This is just another chapter in their eight-year-long failed effort to damage my standing with the voters.”
Trump has not publicly endorsed the idea of compulsory military service for young Americans. The United States has relied on voluntary military service since ending the draft in 1973.
The Washington Post article heavily references Christopher Miller, who was appointed to lead the Department of Defense during the tumultuous final days of Trump’s presidency. Following his electoral defeat in November 2020, Trump dismissed Defense Secretary Mark Esper, announcing the decision via social media.
According to the Post, Miller is among a group of prominent former administration officials and Republican lawmakers who have publicly entertained the idea of a national service mandate. In an interview, Miller suggested that a military mandate deserves serious consideration.
The article also includes a quote from Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio), a leading contender for Trump’s potential running mate. Vance indicated that a military service requirement might be beneficial, arguing it would ensure more Americans have “some skin in the game.”
The Washington Post noted that while Trump’s campaign was approached for comments on the article, they declined to clarify whether Trump supports mandatory military service.
Advisors to Trump have warned that only the former president or an authorized member of his reelection team will make official statements on staffing and policy positions, as mentioned in the Post.
Trump has had a longstanding contentious relationship with media outlets, particularly The Washington Post, often accusing them of biased and unfair coverage. When contacted by The Hill, a spokesperson for The Washington Post did not provide a comment.