Pentagon Cracks Down On Troops' Social Media Posts About Charlie Kirk
The US military is taking swift disciplinary action against U.S. troops over social media posts linked to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, carrying out a "zero-tolerance" policy toward those it sees as cheering his death.
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Washington:
The Pentagon is implementing disciplinary measures against U.S. military personnel over social media posts related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, enforcing a strict "zero-tolerance" approach toward those appearing to celebrate his death, according to U.S. officials.
While the Department of Defense has not officially disclosed the number of service members disciplined, a U.S. official informed Reuters that it likely reaches dozens, as military leadership follows through on a crackdown ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had a personal relationship with Kirk.
Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative media figure known for his far-right rhetoric, was fatally shot during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University last week.
Though the staunch Trump ally held no official government position and was not part of the military chain of command, legal experts and officials explain that service members do not enjoy the same free speech protections as civilians. They can face punishment for public comments that commanders determine violate provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice relating to "good order and discipline."
"We WILL NOT tolerate those who celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American at the Department of War," stated Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's top spokesperson, in a message on X that Hegseth later reposted.
"It's a violation of the oath, it's conduct unbecoming, it's a betrayal of the Americans they've sworn to protect & dangerously incompatible with military service."
President Trump has directed the Department of Defense to be renamed the Department of War, a change requiring congressional approval.
When Reuters inquired about disciplinary actions, the Army, Marine Corps, and Navy did not immediately respond. An Air Force spokesperson stated: "As commanders verify inappropriate actions, they are taking the necessary administrative and disciplinary actions to hold service members accountable."
CHILLING EFFECT
According to three U.S. officials speaking anonymously, disciplinary measures thus far have included removing service members from positions and issuing admonishments. While no cases of complete military separation have been reported, officials didn't exclude this possibility.
"The problem is they have very little protection," said Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force lawyer now teaching at Southwestern Law School.
One U.S. official referenced Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which he noted explicitly prohibits "contemptuous words" against any sitting U.S. president, the defense secretary, Congress, and other senior officials.
Matthew Lohmeier, an Air Force undersecretary, announced over the weekend his intention to prosecute and dismiss an Air Force senior master sergeant in Florida who made comments about both Kirk and Trump. He stated the airman's entire chain of command should undergo investigation.
"Men and women who are guilty of this kind of behavior will not serve in uniform," Lohmeier wrote on X.
While the Pentagon may identify clear violations of military law during this crackdown, legal experts warn that it's creating a chilling effect on otherwise permissible speech by U.S. troops, who increasingly fear being perceived as opposing the Trump administration.
VanLandingham mentioned speaking with an active duty service member who had reviewed and deleted 20 years of social media posts containing views not currently aligned with Trump and his allies.
"The Department of Defense, from the very top, is telling individuals they cannot have certain thoughts," she said, adding that others will likely be "suppressed by threat of punishment."
A U.S. official speaking anonymously acknowledged this chilling effect on troops' online sharing. However, the official also emphasized that service members should be cautious about their activities, particularly on public social media platforms given the current heated political climate.
"Sharing any kind of hot take when publicly identifiable as part of DoD (is) also dumb," the official added.
(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Edmund Klamann)