Donald Trump loves the military, but a
Military Times poll says that the military
doesn't love him back:
President Donald Trump’s approval rating among active-duty military personnel has slipped over the last two years, leaving today’s troops evenly split over whether they’re happy with the commander in chief’s job performance, according to the results of a new Military Times poll of active-duty service members.
About 44 percent of troops had a favorable view of Trump’s presidency, the poll showed, compared to 43 percent who disapproved.
It's not clear from the story what the troops dislike about Trump. They think he's treating the military well:
More than 60 percent said they believe the military is in better shape now than it was under President Barack Obama, and nearly the same number have a favorable view of his handling of the military.
And they like the secretary of defense:
... former Marine Corps Gen. Jim Mattis ... has a favorable rating among troops of nearly 84 percent.
But women in the military are particularly dissatisfied with Trump -- 69% have an unfavorable opinion of him. Non-white servicemembers disapprove, 47%-29%. Officers like Trump less than enlisted troops. One naval officer says:
"... it seems like his presidency is a popularity contest for his ego. I think he rushes through decisions a lot based on emotion or helping his friends out. I’m just thankful I’m getting out of the military because him [Trump] rushing decisions could lead us into an unnecessary war."
The troops still like Trump more than the general public does, if barely. And they like him more than they
liked Barack Obama. But the performative macho and
flag-hugging haven't made Trump a hero to the troops.
No comments:
Post a Comment