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President Donald Trump stirred new controversy when, during his tour of the Middle East, he was accused of using U.S. troops stationed in Qatar as props to boost his false election claims.
Speaking at the Al Udeid Air Base southwest of Doha on Thursday, Trump again falsely asserted he won the 2020 election against now-former President Joe Biden. He also, yet again, floated the unconstitutional idea of extending his stay in the White House even longer.
“As you know, we won three elections, OK?” Trump told the assembled troops. “And some people want us to do a fourth. I don’t know, I’ll have to think about that.”
Trump then referenced new campaign merchandise, saying: “You saw the new, the new hat. The hottest hat is, it says, ‘Trump 2028.’ We’re driving the left crazy.”
Watch here:
Trump speaking with the troops in Qatar: “As you know we won three elections. And some people want us to do a fourth. I don't know. I'll have to think about that. You saw the new hat?… It says Trump 2028.” pic.twitter.com/82mmClpFKe
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) May 15, 2025Trump also reportedly thanked the service members for their political support.
The troops appeared to remain largely silent throughout the president’s address.
On social media, though, the criticism was loud:
If this was a rally, the president’s remarks would be fine. But in front of service members who are expected to be apolitical, many Defense Department officials would find these remarks inappropriate. https://t.co/HK7OkZADlX
— Jim LaPorta (@JimLaPorta) May 15, 2025Making a statement like this in front of active duty troops would have generated months of scandal, hearings, and resignations in years gone by. Now it's just another Thursday with the Mad King. https://t.co/li3RqNSHNE
— Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd on blu sky) (@rothschildmd) May 15, 202520 Years Of Free Journalism
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It’s especially jarring to see Trump flirting with blowing a hole in the Constitution in front of an entire crowd of people who literally swore an oath to protect it with their life. https://t.co/9vSNtLW5t1
— Luke Martin (@Luke_W_Martin) May 15, 2025Treating the troops like they're at a campaign rally and sowing doubt about the past and future of American elections — all in one soundbite. https://t.co/cYn5vaQ4gd
— Sam Stein (@samstein) May 15, 2025
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