DONALD TRUMP, PETE HEGSETH AND THE HONOR OF THE AMERICAN MILITARY

This article by Phil Klay critiques Donald Trump's pragmatic but amoral vision of military policy and its implications for the honor of the American military. Klay contrasts Trump's candid rejection of lofty ideals like democracy promotion with the moral and honorable conduct ingrained in military values. Trump's crass pragmatism, while refreshingly straightforward compared to the perceived hypocrisy of previous administrations, undermines the military's foundational commitment to honorable service.

The article examines Trump's views on war, illustrated by his "take the oil" comments and his support for controversial pardons of soldiers convicted of war crimes, such as Clint Lorance. Klay argues that these actions betray the ethical standards upheld by most service members and erode trust in the military's moral purpose.

Trump's nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense is particularly concerning to Klay, as Hegseth championed the pardons of soldiers accused of serious misconduct. These decisions demoralized troops and tarnished their faith in military ideals. Klay highlights the stories of soldiers who opposed Lorance's orders, sacrificing personal comfort to uphold moral conduct, underscoring the values of honor and duty.

Despite his criticisms, Klay remains hopeful about the potential for America and its military to act as forces for good, driven by the honorable aspirations of service members. He calls for a return to moral purpose in military leadership, resisting the cynicism embodied by Trump's pragmatic but morally indifferent approach.

Phil Klay argues that a military lacking moral direction risks losing its honor and failing the higher ideals that make its service meaningful.

Klay, Phil. "Opinion | Donald Trump, Pete Hegseth and the Honor of the American Military." *The New York Times*, 2 Jan. 2025,