Story perspectives

Slotkin Demands Troop-Use Confirmation for 2026 Midterms

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Elissa Slotkin asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine to confirm no troops will be sent to polling places for November 2026 midterms.
Slotkin said U.S. President Donald Trump suggested troop involvement.
Hegseth called the suggestion a “gotcha hypothetical” and pledged not to obey.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley told Slotkin that courts and Congress, not the military, must resolve election disputes.

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Story summary

Senator Elissa Slotkin asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine to confirm no troops will be sent to polling places for November 2026 midterms.
Slotkin said U.S. President Donald Trump suggested troop involvement.
Hegseth called the suggestion a “gotcha hypothetical” and pledged not to obey.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley told Slotkin that courts and Congress, not the military, must resolve election disputes.