A Coup in Progress
The United States is in the throes of a constitutional crisis. Since President Donald Trump’s return to power on January 20, 2025, his administration has moved with alarming speed to dismantle democratic norms, purge federal agencies, and consolidate power in the hands of unelected billionaires like Elon Musk. The DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) has become a shadow government, seizing control of critical systems like the Treasury’s payment infrastructure and shutting down agencies like USAID without congressional approval.
This is not governance; it is a coup in progress. And as the crisis deepens, one question looms large: Where are the generals?
The Military’s Oath: To the Constitution or to Trump?
The U.S. military has long prided itself on its apolitical nature, with officers sworn to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” But under Trump’s second administration, this oath is being tested like never before.
Trump’s plans to purge top military leaders—dubbed the “MAGA Military” initiative—aim to replace seasoned generals with loyalists who will not question his authority. Retired General Paul Eaton, a vocal critic, warns that this move could transform the military into a “personal tool” for Trump, akin to the generals who served Hitler.
The stakes are clear: will the military remain a bulwark of democracy, or will it become the private army of a wannabe dictator?
General Milley’s Warning: A Precursor to Rebellion?
Retired General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has emerged as a symbol of resistance. In his final days in office, Milley warned of the dangers of politicizing the military, stating that Trump’s authoritarian tendencies could lead to a constitutional crisis.
Milley’s words now ring prophetic. His removal of security details and public rebukes of Trump’s actions have made him a target of the administration’s retribution. But his legacy raises a critical question: will other generals follow his example and stand up for the Constitution, or will they succumb to pressure and pledge allegiance to Trump?
The Generals’ Dilemma: Conscience vs. Corruption
The military’s role in this crisis is fraught with tension. On one hand, the tradition of civilian control of the military demands obedience to the commander-in-chief. On the other, the oath to the Constitution requires officers to resist unlawful orders and defend democratic institutions.
History offers lessons. The Revolt of the Admirals in 1949 and the Bonus Marches of 1932 highlight the dangers of politicizing the military and using it to suppress dissent. Today, as Trump flirts with deploying the military against domestic protests and purges “disloyal” officers, the risk of a similar crisis is palpable.
Will the generals act as modern-day Smedley Butlers, refusing to serve as tools of authoritarianism, or will they become enablers of tyranny?
The Last Line of Defense
As the crisis unfolds, the military may soon find itself as the last line of defense for democracy. The question is not just about loyalty to Trump or the Constitution—it is about the survival of the American experiment.
Retired generals like Paul Eaton and Antonio Taguba have already sounded the alarm, warning that the military could be complicit in a coup if it fails to uphold its oath. The time for silence is over. The generals must choose: will they defend democracy, or will they become the enforcers of a dictatorship?
Call to Action
The military’s role in this crisis is not just a matter of protocol—it is a matter of principle. As Trump and his allies dismantle democratic institutions, the generals must rise to the occasion and reaffirm their commitment to the Constitution.
The world is watching. The question remains: Where are the generals?
