Former President Donald Trump’s recent rally in Pennsylvania featured a provocative video targeting what he perceives as the “wokeness” in the United States military under the administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The video, highlighted by clips from the iconic film “Full Metal Jacket,” juxtaposed with scenes of military personnel, ignited a fresh debate over the direction of military policies concerning diversity and inclusion.
- Trump’s Rally & Video: At a Pennsylvania rally, Trump showcased a provocative video criticizing “wokeness” in the military, using scenes from Full Metal Jacket and clips of military personnel, including Adm. Rachel Levine, to highlight the cultural shift under the Biden-Harris administration.
- Critique of Military DEI Efforts: Trump criticized the administration’s emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, promising to eliminate such policies through a task force if elected, arguing they weaken military readiness.
- Biden Administration’s DEI Focus: The current administration has prioritized diversity and inclusion, including reversing Trump’s transgender military ban, creating a DEI senior adviser position, and launching a counter-extremism task force to create a more inclusive military.
- 2024 Election Issue: Trump’s stance on military policies, focusing on reducing social initiatives, may become a pivotal issue as he courts veterans and service members skeptical of Biden’s approach ahead of the 2024 election.
The video, which begins with a scene from “Full Metal Jacket,” features a drill instructor yelling at a recruit, followed by a cut to Navy Adm. Rachel Levine, a visible leader from the Biden-Harris administration. Levine, who serves as the assistant secretary for health for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is seen participating in a Pride Month celebration, declaring it a “summer of pride.” This juxtaposition aims to underscore the cultural shift within the military under the current administration. The video continues with images of service members transforming into drag performers, including one who served as a digital ambassador for the U.S. Navy.
As reported by Breitbart News, Trump addressed the rally attendees with the promise of a task force aimed at eliminating elements of what he terms “wokeness” from military operations. This task force would focus on removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which the former president argues distract from military readiness and strength.
The Biden-Harris administration has taken significant steps to promote diversity and inclusion in the military. Some of the earliest actions included reversing Trump’s restrictions on transgender individuals serving in military roles and implementing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. These measures, according to some critics, have led to the dismissal of over 8,000 military personnel who refused vaccination. The administration also appointed a DEI senior adviser and established a counter-extremism task force, aiming to foster an inclusive military environment.
Trump’s rhetoric at the rally and his calls to “make our military great again” resonate with his base, particularly those who are concerned about what they perceive as an overemphasis on social issues at the expense of military effectiveness. However, the Biden administration and its supporters argue that diversity and inclusion are essential components of a modern military force, reflecting the nation’s values and ensuring a broad range of perspectives and talents are represented.
With the 2024 presidential race heating up, Trump’s focus on military policies could become a significant campaign issue, particularly as he seeks support from veterans and active service members who are skeptical of the current administration’s policies.