Greg Keeley: The accidental Manchurian candidate

I pulled the lever for Donald Trump in 2016. As a former GOP Senate staffer, combat veteran and immigrant, when faced with two impossibly unpalatable candidates, I chose party. It was a mistake.

Like many who serve or have served this country in the military, intelligence and national security communities, I have waxed between bemusement, bewilderment, anguish and fury as our commander in chief has blithely marginalized the men and women who keep us safe. I watched as the president has dodged treaties, forsaken allies and inexplicably sought succor with autocratic dictators who actively seek to undermine and destroy our American identity, values and capabilities.

Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction.” The Council on American Security is framed by Reagan’s words. The council is nonpartisan, our members of every rank, background and outlook who answered the call to serve. We abide by our oath to defend the country and our constitution. We are Democrat, independent and Republican, but, above all, we are American. We serve our nation; not a party, and certainly not a personality.

We believe the consequences of reelecting Donald Trump are generationally grave. And we have come together in this moment because our nation’s future security demands informed, cogent leadership, traits sadly lacking in Trump.

America looks to its presidents in times of crisis and conflict, for reassurance and leadership. We do this instinctively: Eisenhower penned his “in case of failure” D-Day letter. Bush lifted our hearts with a megaphone atop the rubble of the World Trade Center. Truman famously stated the “buck stops here.” We believe this expectation is reasonable.

Consider the character we demand in anyone who serves our nation. A 19-year-old Marine squad leader. A covert intelligence officer operating without a safety net. Regrettably, Trump has proven himself unable to lead. Meanwhile, he provides our antagonists legitimacy and tacit support.

The president crammed his administration with military officers, calling them “my generals.” One by one these honorable, respected leaders of men and women in war were forced out by a maladroit commander in chief who confuses popularity with policy. The message to the rank and file is stark: You’re good for a parade and a campaign ad, but, “I wouldn’t go to war with you.” The experience our military has hemorrhaged under this administration will be long felt. America’s foes meantime were gifted an accidental Manchurian candidate.

Republicans members of the council by and large are not “never Trumpers.” Each has his or her own provocation for forsaking the Trump train. For some, it was a single point of failure; for others, a pattern of behavior that could no longer be excused. Pardoning a convicted war criminal whose own shipmates called “freaking evil.” The glib disrespect of Gold Star families. The dismissal of the crushing symptoms of traumatic brain injury. Recalling West Point’s cadets for a photo op during a surging pandemic. And now, silence while Russia pays the Taliban to kill Americans in Afghanistan.

For me, the tipping point was Trump deserting our Kurdish allies at the request of Turkish President Recep Erdogan. With no warning, Trump unilaterally withdrew U.S. forces from Syria. Twentyh-four hours later, Turkish warplanes were killing Kurdish fighters and their families.

I hold President Obama accountable for the disappearing red line. I hold Trump responsible for caving into the Turkish autocrat and surrendering our allies to state-sponsored butchery. When Secretary of Defense James Mattis resigned in protest, it became starkly apparent that it was time to rejoin the fight.

For generations, Americans have put service before self, and many made the ultimate sacrifice. Right now, the dominos of our national security posture are being recklessly toppled by a poll-pandering narcissist. The morale and efforts of the national security apparatus designed to serve and protect the homeland are being crushed.

Our military and public servants are legally required to remain apolitical because they serve every American when they wear our flag. Their independence is essential to their integrity. And this president has taken callous advantage of their silent service and respect of chain of command.

The Council on American Security’s remit is to return moral and respected leadership to America. Our mission is clear. Our duty, essential.

Lt. Commander Greg Keeley, retired from the Navy, is president of the Council on American Security (camsec.org).