President Trump's trip to visit U.S. service members in Iraq and Germany this week at times had the air of one of his political rallies, from the soundtrack to his digs at specific Democrats and implied criticism of military commanders. At the al-Asad Air Base in Iraq and Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Trump also signed red "Make America Great Again" hats, a Trump campaign banner, and Trump 2020 paraphernalia, raising concerns that troops were violating military regulations against partisan activity while in uniform.
Trump said there was nothing wrong with him signing MAGA hats, tweeting Thursday evening: "If these brave young people ask me to sign their hat, I will sign. Can you imagine my saying NO?" He insisted that his team "brought or gave NO hats" to the service members. U.S. Air Forces Europe cleared the service members, too, telling Stars and Stripes that "there is no rule against airmen bringing personal items to be signed by the president," and they didn't violate rules against wearing partisan political gear because they were carrying the Trump hats, not wearing them. "No policy violations have been brought to our attention at this time," USAFE said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostagesSpeed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 yearsSpeed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
-
Rishi Sunak visits Kyiv to announce £2.5 billion in military support for UkraineSpeed Read Surprise trip comes amid increased Russian bombardment and escalation of Middle East crisis
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red SeaSpeed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
-
Israel preparing to flood Hamas tunnels with seawaterSpeed Read IDF pumps could drive out terrorists but critics warn of danger to hostages and Gaza water supply
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacksspeed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages releasedSpeed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
