Donald Trump and the Pentagon

The Pentagon's Role in the Trump Administration

The Pentagon has played a significant role in the Trump administration. Trump has appointed several retired generals to key positions in his cabinet, including James Mattis as Secretary of Defense, John Kelly as Secretary of Homeland Security, and H.R. McMaster as National Security Advisor. These appointments have given the Pentagon a greater voice in policymaking than it has had in previous administrations.

The Pentagon has also been involved in several key decisions of the Trump administration, including the decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, the decision to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan, and the decision to launch airstrikes against Syria. The Pentagon's role in these decisions has led to some criticism, with critics arguing that the Pentagon is too powerful and that its influence over policymaking is undermining civilian control of the military.

The Future of the Pentagon's Role

The future of the Pentagon's role in the Trump administration is uncertain. Trump has indicated that he wants to reduce the size of the government, and this could lead to cuts in the Pentagon's budget. Trump has also been critical of the Pentagon's bureaucracy, and he may try to streamline the Pentagon's operations.

The Pentagon's role in the Trump administration will also depend on the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. If Trump is re-elected, the Pentagon is likely to continue to play a major role in policymaking. However, if Trump is defeated, the Pentagon's role could be reduced.

Trump's Relationship with the Military

Trump has a complex relationship with the military. He has praised the military on many occasions, and he has increased the Pentagon's budget. However, Trump has also made several controversial statements about the military, including his claim that he knows more about ISIS than the generals and his comments about veterans with PTSD.

Trump's relationship with the military has been further strained by his decision to withdraw from Syria. This decision was made without consulting with the military, and it has led to the resignation of several top military officials. The decision has also been criticized by many Republicans, who argue that it will weaken the fight against ISIS and embolden Iran.

The Future of Trump's Relationship with the Military

The future of Trump's relationship with the military is uncertain. Trump has indicated that he wants to reduce the size of the government, and this could lead to cuts in the Pentagon's budget. Trump has also been critical of the Pentagon's bureaucracy, and he may try to streamline the Pentagon's operations.

Trump's relationship with the military will also depend on the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. If Trump is re-elected, he is likely to continue to have a close relationship with the military. However, if Trump is defeated, his relationship with the military could become more strained.