WASHINGTON, July 2 - The U.S. Air Force said on Thursday it will investigate an active-duty officer who, during a protest on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Video of the event posted online shows Major Jason Watson criticizing both Trump and Vance on Wednesday. In the footage, Watson denounced the pair for several actions, including going to war with Iran without congressional authorization. The same video captures U.S. Capitol Police detaining Watson while he held a protest sign calling for the impeachment, conviction and removal of the president and vice president.
Without naming the officer, the office of Air Force Secretary Troy Meink acknowledged reports about an Air Force member protesting at the Capitol. In a statement, the office said an investigation "will proceed unimpeded." The office further noted in a post on X: "The Department takes allegations of misconduct seriously, including any that might undermine the nonpartisan nature of our military."
Legal limits on political activity by U.S. service members are reflected in statutes and military regulations, the Air Force statement noted. Laws governing military personnel place restrictions on political activities, particularly while in uniform. The Uniform Code of Military Justice also contains provisions relevant to the incident: Article 88 prohibits officers from using "contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress" and other U.S. officials.
Watson appeared to acknowledge the potential personal risk of his public remarks. In the video, he said: "What matters far more than who I am is what I have to say and the price I’m willing to pay to say it."
Attempts to reach Watson for comment were unsuccessful.
This incident has prompted a formal investigatory response from the Air Force and highlights the tensions between service members' conduct in public political activities and legal restrictions intended to preserve the military's nonpartisan status. The Air Force's statement underscores that the inquiry will move forward without obstruction, while citing the importance of addressing allegations that could affect confidence in the armed forces' impartiality.