Former President Trump is shooting down the “ridiculous idea” that he could push for mandatory military service if he wins reelection this year and slamming a Washington Post article on the issue as an effort to “damage” him with voters.
“The Fake News Washington Post came up with the ridiculous idea” that Trump will call for mandatory military service, he claimed in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday.
“The Story is completely untrue. In fact, I never even thought of that idea.”
“This is only a continuation of their EIGHT YEAR failed attempt to damage me with the Voters,” he added.
Trump has not taken a public position on whether young people should be required to serve in the military. The U.S. hasn’t instituted the draft since 1973, and military service is voluntary.
The Washington Post story leans heavily on Christopher Miller, who took over the Department of Defense (DOD) in the chaotic close of Trump’s tenure. At the time of his appointment in November 2020, Trump had lost his reelection bid and fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper with a post on social media.
Miller, according to the Post report, is “among a cluster of influential former administration officials and GOP lawmakers who have mused aloud about a national service mandate.”
In an interview, Miller suggested that a military mandate should be “strongly considered,” according to the report.
It also quotes Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), who is considered among the top candidates to become Trump’s running mate, saying that a military requirement could be a good idea that would ensure more Americans have “some skin in the game.”
The Washington Post story notes that Trump’s campaign was contacted about the article and “declined to address whether the former president supports mandatory military service.”
Trump advisers also cautioned that staffing and policy positions will only come from the former president or “an authorized member” of his reelection team, according to the Post article.
Trump has long feuded with media outlets, including The Washington Post, over perceived unfair coverage. A Washington Post spokesperson didn’t respond to The Hill’s request for comment.