Amid fresh controversy over U.S. President Donald Trump’s record of mocking veterans and war dead as “suckers” and “losers,” the U.S. military is right where it least wants to be: in the middle of the 2020 presidential campaign minefield. Backing its way out of danger will take some careful tiptoeing by military leaders, not to mention good order and discipline from the rank and file. Memories of the civil-military crisis in June, when Trump proposed sending active-duty troops to quell urban protests, are still fresh, and one careless step could result in a blowup.
Specifically, the military faces four threats that could draw it even further into the U.S. presidential campaign.
