Trump transition team creating list of current and former U.S. military officers for potential disciplinary action

The Trump transition team is considering compiling a list of senior military officers directly involved in the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and exploring the possibility of court-martialing them for their actions. The team may create a commission to investigate the withdrawal decision-making process, potentially leading to charges as serious as treason. President-elect Donald Trump has criticized the withdrawal as a humiliation and is framing the review as an examination of how the U.S. entered and exited the war in Afghanistan. It is unclear what legal basis would justify treason charges, as the officers were following President Joe Biden’s orders to withdraw all U.S. forces. The Trump administration’s agreement with the Taliban in 2020 to withdraw troops and the Biden administration’s completion of the withdrawal were both blamed for the chaotic exit. Trump’s choice for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has criticized the withdrawal and called for a radical overhaul of Pentagon leadership. The transition team is considering recalling commanders to active duty for possible charges, though it is uncertain if they would pursue treason charges. The team aims to set an example and hold officers accountable for their involvement in the withdrawal. Trump is said to have learned from his first administration’s mistake of hiring Democratic generals and is now looking for officers who align with his policies. Former officials from Trump’s first administration have advised against actions that they believe may weaken national security or violate the Constitution.

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