GOP Lawmakers Inquire About US Marines’ Presence in Biden’s ‘Divisive’ Speech: ‘We Are Gravely Concerned’
House Republican lawmakers want some answers from the Defense Department about the presence of U.S. Marines during President Joe Biden’s speech about “MAGA Republicans.” Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Mike Rogers…
House Republican lawmakers want some answers from the Defense Department about the presence of U.S. Marines during President Joe Biden’s speech about “MAGA Republicans.”
Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), and Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting information about the circumstances that led to the pair of Marines standing behind Biden.
“We are gravely concerned that throughout the entirety of this partisan, politically charged, and divisive address to the nation, two United States Marines were visibly present flanking the President in the background. The President’s use of active duty Marines as political props undermines the apolitical nature of our servicemembers and erodes trust in our military,” the letter states.
It continued, “American men and women in uniform swear a solemn oath to defend the Constitution. They do not serve a political party. On several occasions before the committees of Congress and at other public events, both you and General Milley have reinforced this fact. You’ve expressed your concern about politicization of the military and have insisted the military will not become a political instrument under your watch.”
“Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened with the participation of the Marines at this political event,” it added.
The lawmakers went on to argue that Biden’s speech should “in no way be considered official business” as he “spent over 20 minutes attacking the former President, members of the Republican party, and the citizens who chose to vote for them.”
