Air Force Probes Officer over Trump Impeachment Call

The US Air Force said on Thursday it would investigate a uniformed officer who publicly called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a protest on the steps of the Capitol. Major Jason Watson, an active-duty Air Force officer, condemned them on Wednesday for actions including going to war with Iran without congressional authorization.

A video of the protest posted online shows Watson, who was holding a sign calling for the impeachment, conviction and removal of both leaders, being detained at the scene by US Capitol Police.

The office of Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed reports of the incident without naming Watson and said the investigation “will proceed unimpeded”. The department said it took allegations of misconduct seriously, including any that might undermine the nonpartisan nature of the military.

US laws strictly limit political activities by active-duty service members, especially while they are in uniform. Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice explicitly prohibits officers from using “contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress” and other US officials.

Watson suggested in his remarks that he was aware of the risks, saying: “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.”

Reuters was not able to reach Watson for comment.

(Reuters, Max)