Air Force Charges Maj. Jason Watson With 10 Counts Over Trump Criticism
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 24
Air Force Charges Maj. Jason Watson With 10 Counts Over Trump Criticism
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 24
Summary
10 UCMJ charges were filed against Air Force Maj. Jason Watson, including three Article 88 counts for allegedly contemptuous remarks about President Donald Trump, five for disobeying orders and two for conduct unbecoming an officer.
The case stems from Watson’s June interview, his July 1 Capitol protest in uniform and an Aug. 17 CNN appearance, where prosecutors say he engaged in partisan activity, wore his uniform improperly and violated leave and workplace rules.
Watson, arrested once at the Capitol and again last week after the CNN interview, has been ordered into pre-trial confinement; his attorney said he is effectively in solitary confinement for safety.
Article 88 prosecutions are rare: CNN found only two convictions since 1951, including former Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller’s 2021 case, and it is still unclear whether Watson’s case will go to a special or general court-martial.