Iran Press/America: At least two senior military officers have expressed reluctance in recent months about appearing alongside US President, Donald Trump at public events, due to unease at the prospect of the president making partisan political comments.
Donald Trump triggered widespread anger earlier this week after he ordered the Navy to restore an accused war criminal's rank, then later told supporters at a rally he made the decision despite 'deep state' - opposition.
Numerous veterans spoke out about the move to the Independent after defence secretary Mark Esper confirmed he was ordered by the president to retain Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher’s status in the elite service, as well as his Trident pin, a prestigious special warfare insignia.
But the move has also infuriated serving officers, according to CNN, One told the news channel the president’s actions were causing a “moral problem”, while another official said the military “is divided”.
"There are two camps. Half are ardent Trump supporters that believe the president is watching out for the troops,” the official said, adding the other half – many of who are high-ranking – believe the president is threatening the military’s public perception of political independence.
Trump’s decision to pardon Gallagher came following a months-long campaign by a host on the president’s favourite Fox News show, Fox & Friends.
Pete Hegseth, who presents the weekend edition of the conservative news programme, said he had held private conversations with Donald Trump in which he implored the president to restore Gallagher’s rank.205/216
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