The US military is swiftly disciplining troops over social media posts related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, implementing a “zero-tolerance” policy towards those perceived as celebrating his death, US officials report.
The Pentagon hasn’t disclosed the exact number of disciplined service members, but a US official told Reuters it likely numbers in the dozens. This follows a crackdown directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had personal ties with Kirk.
Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative media figure known for his far-right views, was fatally shot during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University last week.
A strong supporter of President Donald Trump, Kirk was not involved in the US military’s command structure and held no official government role.
However, legal experts and US officials note that US troops lack the same free speech rights as civilians and can face punishment for public comments if commanders deem them a breach of the Uniform Code of Military Justice concerning “good order and discipline.”
“We WILL NOT tolerate those who celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American at the Department of War,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell wrote on X, with comments reposted by Hegseth.
“It’s a breach of oath, conduct unbecoming, and a betrayal of the Americans they’ve sworn to protect, dangerously incompatible with military service.”
Trump has ordered the Department of Defense to be renamed the Department of War, a change needing congressional approval.
The Army, Marine Corps, and Navy did not respond immediately to Reuters inquiries about disciplining US troops over such social media posts.
An Air Force spokesperson stated: “As commanders confirm inappropriate actions, they are taking necessary administrative and disciplinary measures to hold service members accountable.”
CHILLING EFFECT
Three US officials, speaking anonymously, said disciplinary actions include relieving service members from their roles and other reprimands. While no cases of complete separation from military service are known, officials haven’t ruled it out.
“The problem is they have very little protection,” said Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force lawyer now at Southwestern Law School.
One US official cited Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which prohibits “contemptuous words” against any sitting US president, the defense secretary, Congress, and other senior officials.
Matthew Lohmeier, an Air Force undersecretary, announced plans to prosecute and discharge an Air Force senior master sergeant in Florida who commented on Kirk and Trump. He called for an investigation of the airman’s entire command chain.
“Individuals guilty of this behavior will not serve in uniform,” Lohmeier wrote on X.
While the Pentagon might find clear military law violations during the crackdown, legal experts warn of a chilling effect on what would otherwise be permissible speech by US troops, who increasingly fear appearing opposed to the Trump administration.
VanLandingham shared that an active-duty service member recently deleted 20 years of social media posts with views not currently aligned with Trump and his allies.
“The Department of Defense, from the very top, is telling individuals they cannot have certain thoughts,” she said, suggesting others might be “suppressed by threat of punishment.”
One US official, speaking anonymously, admitted a chilling effect on what troops share online but also emphasized the need for caution, especially in the current heated political landscape.
“Sharing any kind of hot take when publicly identifiable as part of DoD (is) also dumb,” the official added.
