Air Force Major Arrested for Publicly Calling for President Trump’s Impeachment

Maj. Jason Watson, an active-duty U.S. Air Force officer, was taken into custody after he appeared in full uniform at a news conference organized by the Removal Coalition, an activist group demanding President Donald Trump’s impeachment, conviction and removal. The protest took place on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where Watson displayed a sign reading “Impeach. Convict. Remove.” He had previously spent 22 days on a hunger strike on Capitol grounds while wearing a white mask and jumpsuit. After the Capitol Police arrested him for unlawful protesting, the D.C. attorney general’s office declined to prosecute, but Air Force police later transferred him to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

Common DreamsNew York TimesRaw Story

Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, an officer who makes “disloyal statements” or “contemptuous words” toward the commander-in-chief can face a court-martial that may result in dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay and up to several months in prison. Watson acknowledged that his actions could trigger such penalties and said he was prepared to accept the consequences.

New York Times

Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink announced on social media that the Air Force would open an investigation into Watson’s conduct, emphasizing that the service “takes allegations of misconduct seriously” and that any behavior potentially undermining the military’s nonpartisan nature would be examined. The Department of Defense referred further questions to the Air Force, which has not yet issued a detailed response.

New York Times

• “If I don’t put myself out there in a big way, then it’s just noise,” — Maj. Jason Watson

New York Times

• “Any American can say, this government is intolerable and I want a better future for my children, and I want to hand them a better country than I inherited,” — Maj. Jason Watson

Common Dreams

• “He has failed us. And not only is he a failure as president, but he is also flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaging in rampant corruption, and killing Americans,” — Maj. Jason Watson

Raw Story

Watson’s case highlights the tension between military discipline and individual expression of political dissent, a dynamic that will be further clarified as the Air Force investigation proceeds.

New York Times