US Defense Minister's Memo To The Military: Trump's Government Transition Runs Professionally, Stays Away From Politics
JAKARTA - United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told US troops the Pentagon would make a "calm, orderly and professional" transition to the upcoming Donald Trump administration.
In his message to troops dated November 6, Austin wrote As always happens, the US military will be ready to implement the next Supreme Commander's policy choices, and comply with all legitimate orders from his chain of civilian command.
As reported by CNN, Thursday, November 7, Austin's memo was sent as the US military grappled with the election of Donald Trump, who stated Trump would be open to using active duty forces for domestic law enforcement and mass deportation.
Trump's election raises questions within the Department of Defense about what would happen if he issued an unlawful order or used the Law on Insurgency to deploy US active forces at home.
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Austin wrote the US military would stay away from politics and continue to support and defend the Constitution.
"You are not just any military," wrote Austin.
"You are the United States military, the best fighting force in the world and you will continue to defend our country, our constitution, and the rights of all our citizens," he stressed.