Conservatives and supporters of the MAGA movement were angered on Tuesday in response to a report that Air Force members in North Dakota were advised to avoid attending a pro-Trump rally.
The criticism from conservatives comes as many have continued to take aim at the U.S. Department of Defense. Senator Tommy Tuberville has previously vowed to block Defense Department nominations over his opposition to abortion policies. House Republicans also recently voted to reduce Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s salary.
“Leadership at Air Force base in North Dakota warns airmen not to attend rally featuring Turning Point Action’s Tyler Bower or risk ‘jeopardizing’ military career,” Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, said on X, formerly Twitter. “The DoD has declared WAR on conservatives. Congress should immediately investigate this absurd, unhinged threat.”
On Tuesday, Fox News reported that members of the U.S. Air Force at the Minot Air Base in North Dakota received a text regarding the Dakota Patriot Rally which is being hosted by Turning Point USA on November 17.
“Leaders, please exercise caution if downtown this weekend,” the text obtained by Fox News said. “We just got word of an event going at the fairgrounds downtown called Dakota Patriot Rally. It’s guest speaker is from an alt-right organization called Turning Point Action.”
“Additionally, please remind them that participation with groups such as Turning Point Action could jeopardize their continued service in the US military,” the text added, according to Fox News.
Turning Point’s Chief Operating Officer Tyler Bowyer was planned as a speaker for the event that was mentioned in the text.
Kirk also shared the text on X, prompting an array of criticism from many conservatives and MAGA supporters.
“Unbelievable – People need to wake up to the fact that the radical left has fully taken over our military leadership. Republicans in Congress should immediately investigate this blatant discrimination against conservatives. Enough is enough!!!!” Donald Trump Jr. wrote on X.
Republican Representative Eli Crane wrote, “Unfortunately this is not surprising in these times. For those who have been to Turning Point event, this is exactly the type of event that members of our armed services should be attending. They always promote patriotism, and the values this country is founded on.”
Ohio Republican Senator J.D. Vance wrote, “Biden now threatening veterans for attending rallies with TPUSA. Notably if a veteran posts a viral video with a lefty group nothing happens.Disgraceful. And drives home Senator Tuberville’s point that Biden is using the military for politics.”
Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “Enough with the political weaponization and wokeness of our military.”
Similarly, Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz said, “Whoever thought sending this message out was a good idea is definitely gonna be answering questions under oath in the Armed Services Committee.”
Newsweek reached out to the U.S. Air Force and the Minot Air Base via email for comment.
Chris Hondros/Getty Images
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.