Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, in as respectful a manner as a flag officer can be to a lying commander-in-chief, stated that the military believes war is “a last resort” and dismissed Trump’s claim that generals create conflicts to keep military contractors “happy,” Politico reports.
In his Labor Day press briefing, Trump said, “The top people in the Pentagon probably aren’t [in love with Trump] because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else, stay happy.”
Gen. McConville, however, contradicted Trump’s claim while speaking at an event Tuesday.
“I’ve talked with generals, I’ve talked with admirals, I’ve talked with [sergeants major] … many of these leaders have sons and daughters who have gone to combat or may be in combat right now. So I can assure the American people that senior leaders would only recommend sending troops to combat when it’s required in national security, or as a last resort,” McConville said during an event held Tuesday by Defense One. “I feel very strong about it.”
The comment marks the latest episode in which Trump has publicly or privately demeaned the work and sacrifice of members of the United States’ military or national security forces.