Politico | War is ‘last resort’, US Army chief says following Donald Trump’s comments
- Top general defends military leaders after US president accuses them of sending troops to combat to keep weapon manufacturers ‘happy’
- Trump’s remarks follow report that he called American soldiers ‘suckers’ and ‘losers’ for dying in battle
This story is published in a content partnership with POLITICO. It was originally reported by Lara Seligman on politico.com on September 8, 2020.
The US Army’s top general defended military leaders on Tuesday after President Donald Trump accused them of going to war to keep defence contractors “happy”, saying he and others take the decision to send troops into combat “very, very seriously”.
Army Chief of Staff General James McConville declined to comment specifically on Trump’s remarks to reporters on Monday, but defended the Pentagon brass against the accusation that they are beholden to arms manufacturers.
“I’ve talked with generals, I’ve talked with admirals, I’ve talked with [sergeants major] … many of these leaders have sons and daughters who have gone to combat or may be in combat right now.
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“So I can assure the American people that senior leaders would only recommend sending troops to combat when it's required in national security, or as a last resort,” McConville said during an event held on Tuesday by Defence One. “I feel very strong about it.”