U.S. Air Force Major Jason Watson Faces Rare Military Charges for Calling for Trump’s Impeachment/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Air Force Maj. Jason Watson faces military charges after publicly criticizing President Donald Trump over the Iran war and calling for his impeachment while in uniform. The Air Force said the allegations include contempt toward officials, disobeying orders and conduct unbecoming an officer. Watson will remain in pretrial confinement as his attorneys argue that using Article 88 against an officer of his rank is extraordinarily rare.
Air Force Major Jason Watson was arrested in July after calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. | Instagram/Removal Coalition/Matt Wagner Photos.
Quick Look
- Air Force Maj. Jason Watson, 40, faces military charges.
- Watson criticized Trump’s conduct and handling of the Iran war.
- He protested in uniform at the U.S. Capitol on July 1.
- His sign read “Impeach. Convict. Remove.”
- Watson was detained again after giving an interview to CNN.
- The Air Force cited contempt toward officials, disobeying orders and conduct unbecoming an officer.
- Watson will be held in pretrial confinement.
- His attorneys say the Article 88 charge is highly unusual for an officer of his rank.
- Air Force Secretary Troy Meink emphasized rules covering political activity and uniform use.
- Watson’s attorney said he stands by his actions.
Deep Look
Air Force major faces military prosecution
Air Force Maj. Jason Watson says he is facing charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice after criticizing President Donald Trump over the Iran war.
The Air Force confirmed Tuesday that Watson, 40, had been charged with three alleged violations. The accusations involve Article 88’s prohibition against contemptuous words directed at certain officials, disobeying orders and conduct unbecoming an officer.
The service said Watson would remain in pretrial confinement.
The charges were first reported by CNN and represent a rare public military prosecution arising from an officer’s political speech.
Watson called for Trump’s removal at Capitol
Watson was first detained July 1 while protesting in uniform on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
He carried a sign reading “Impeach. Convict. Remove,” referring to Trump.
Active-duty military personnel are subject to rules restricting partisan political activity, particularly when wearing a uniform or appearing to represent the armed forces.
Watson’s public criticism and decision to protest in uniform appear central to the military’s case against him.
Officer detained again after CNN interview
Watson was detained for a second time last week after speaking with CNN about Trump and the administration’s actions.
He said Trump is “not only a failure as president, he is flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaged in rampant corruption and is killing Americans.”
The Air Force did not publicly provide a detailed breakdown of which statements or actions correspond to each charge.
It also did not announce a date for further military proceedings.
Article 88 prohibits contemptuous words
Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits commissioned officers from using contemptuous words against the president, vice president, Congress, defense secretary, military service secretaries and certain other officials.
Watson’s attorneys believe his prosecution is among the first instances in U.S. military history in which an officer of his rank has faced an Article 88 charge.
Military disciplinary cases are often resolved administratively or behind closed doors, making the public charges against Watson particularly unusual.
The case raises questions about the boundary between the free-speech rights of service members and military restrictions intended to preserve discipline, political neutrality and the chain of command.
Air Force secretary cites political-activity rules
After Watson’s July detention, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink addressed the responsibilities of service members in a social media post.
Meink said he expected every airman to “comply with all laws and policies, government, personal conduct, political participation and the wear of the uniform.”
His statement did not mention Watson by name in the quoted passage, but it came after Watson’s protest at the Capitol.
Military personnel may hold personal political opinionsbut regulations limit how active-duty members express those views publicly and prohibit conduct that could imply official military endorsement of a political position.
Attorney says Watson stands by his actions
Watson’s lawyer told CNN that the officer remained committed to the position he took publicly.
Watson “stands by the fact that he did this so others wouldn’t have to,” the attorney said.
The report did not include information about Watson’s intended plea or the maximum penalties he could face if convicted.
Because the case remains at the charging and pretrial stage, the accusations have not been proven in a military court.
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