4 in 5 Military Families Say Politicians Leave Them Behind as Trump, Hegseth Ratings Turn Negative
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 10
4 in 5 Military Families Say Politicians Leave Them Behind as Trump, Hegseth Ratings Turn Negative
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 10
Summary
Nearly 4 in 5 active-duty personnel, veterans and military families surveyed in September said they are being "left behind by politicians and society," according to Common Defense.
Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth both swung from positive to negative net approval among troops over the past year, dropping 19 points and 22 points, while 60% in uniform said the administration is hurting civilian perceptions of the military.
More than half of active-duty respondents cited politicization of the military as their top reason for wanting to leave service, ahead of pay, family pressures and operational tempo.
The critique comes as an unresolved Iran war strains households and service members alike, underscoring a wider gap between support for some missions and opposition to culture-war branding inside the ranks.