TRUMP VS. THE ROGUE MILITARY

The Rise of DEI as a Promotion Track
Institutionalization of DEI
Obama years (2009–2016): DEI entered Pentagon doctrine under “diversity management.”
Trump years (2017–2020): Despite White House resistance, DEI expanded in service academies, promotion boards, and climate surveys.
Biden years (2021–2024): DEI became an explicit requirement in evaluations for inclusive leadership and mentorship of “underrepresented groups.”
Quantitative Estimates
Mid-grade officers (O-4 to O-6): ~5–10% (~5,000–10,000) gained promotion leverage from DEI billets (EO, academy staff, HR).
Senior officers (O-7+): ~10–15% (~90–130 generals/admirals) saw careers materially advanced through DEI compliance.
NCO corps: DEI compliance became a de facto expectation in climate surveys and training roles.
Effect
Merit-based combat readiness was diluted.
A parallel career ladder rewarded ideological conformity, politicizing the officer corps from within.

The 2020 Letters Against Trump
Content and Signatories
In Sept.–Oct. 2020, nearly 500 retired generals, admirals, and national security officials signed open letters endorsing Joe Biden and condemning Trump as unfit .
Signatories included Gen. Paul Selva (former VCJCS), Adm. James Stavridis (former NATO SACEUR), Gen. Michael Hayden (former CIA/NSA Director), and Adm. Mike Mullen (former CJCS).
Influence Network
Each signatory commanded dozens of protégés during their career.
Across 200+ military signatories, this equates to:
Dozens of current generals/admirals shaped directly.
Hundreds of colonels/captains (O-6s) mentored.
Thousands of mid-grade officers influenced by the culture these figures normalized.
Mindset
The letters framed Trump as a threat to democracy. But their partisan thrust was unmistakable: military elites actively attempting to sway civilian electoral politics.