Air Force Recommends 1 Major for General Court-Martial Over Trump Protest
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 30
Air Force Recommends 1 Major for General Court-Martial Over Trump Protest
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 30
Summary
Jason Watson, an Air Force major arrested in July after calling for President Trump’s impeachment on the Capitol steps, was recommended for a general court-martial — the military’s most severe trial level.
An investigating officer also urged dismissal of 3 charges, including 2 alleging prohibited partisan political activity and 1 tied to Watson’s authorized leave, according to his lawyer.
The remaining counts include 3 rare Article 88 charges for allegedly using contemptuous words about Trump or other senior officials, plus 2 Article 92 uniform-related charges and 2 Article 133 conduct-unbecoming charges.
The convening authority now decides whether to send the case to trial, and although the recommendations are not binding, departures from them are rare in the military justice system.
Watson has argued he acted to defend the Constitution rather than engage in partisanship, saying Trump and Vice President JD Vance should be removed from office.