Veterans' Voices Against Donald Trump: A Call To Action

After 9/11, I served as a Navy SEAL in combat. We succeeded on the battlefield through leadership, selflessness, and honor. We also took an oath to defend the Constitution, fought for it, and some of us died for it. These values are not merely words; they represent the essence of our commitment to this great nation. As a veteran who has witnessed the sacrifices made in the name of freedom, I feel compelled to voice my opposition to any candidate who does not uphold these ideals. For these reasons, I actively oppose the candidacy of former President Donald Trump and urge every American to vote against him.

Trump shares nothing in common with the values that bound my teammates and our brothers and sisters across every branch of the U.S. military together at war. His blatant disregard for the Constitution and his disastrous first term as commander-in-chief exemplify why he must not be allowed near our military again. I especially urge Republican voters to regard Trump for what he truly is; a threat to the principles we hold dear.

I come from a rural state, own firearms, hunt and fish, and can relate to the values held by many on the right. However, I firmly believe that the potential damage a second Trump term could inflict is far greater. More division at home, increased global instability, and a continuous barrage of chaos define what a Trump presidency would entail. It is vital to consider his past behavior as we move forward.

Jan. 6 and "The Big Lie": Trump lost the 2020 election but continues to run a disinformation campaign claiming he won. He is the first U.S. president to never concede after losing, nor did he commit to a peaceful transfer of power. His attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden's victory by inciting a mob to attack the Capitol marks a devastating moment in American history.

Enough is enough. Veterans, a voting bloc of 17 million, are uniting against Trump. We traditionally support Republican candidates, but polls show a tipping point, especially among post-9/11 veterans and active-duty personnel. This growing opposition is evident in the documented veteran protests against Trump in 25 states since 2016.

We must come together, strengthen our voices, and advocate for the principles that our military stands for. It is time to stand up for leadership that embodies integrity, accountability, and honor, ensuring that our military and veterans are respected and valued in our democracy.