U.S. airman faces charges for criticizing Trump over Iran war
The charges against Major Jason Watson are believed to be the first time in U.S. military history that a major has been charged under Article 88.
U.S. Airman Faces Charges for Criticizing Trump over Iran War
Major Jason Watson, a 40-year-old U.S. Airman, is currently facing criminal charges for allegedly criticizing President Trump over the Iran war. This marks the first time in history that a major has been charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for contemptuous words against officials. Watson has been detained twice in recent weeks for his actions.
During his first detention on July 1, Watson was protesting in uniform at the U.S. Capitol, holding a sign that read "Impeach. Convict. Remove," referring to Trump. He was then arrested again last week after giving an interview to CNN, where he stated that Trump is "not only a failure as president, he is flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaged in rampant corruption and is killing Americans."
Watson's attorney claims that he stands by his actions, asserting that he did them so others wouldn't have to. Watson is charged with three violations of Article 88, which includes contemptuous remarks about Trump, disobeying orders, and conduct unbecoming an officer. This marks a rare occurrence of the U.S. military not handling punishment behind closed doors, as Watson was publicly detained and charged.
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