'A frightening reflection of our nation's descent into authoritarianism': US service members wear ‘Make Aircrew Great Again’ patches with image of Trump

'A frightening reflection of our nation's descent into authoritarianism': US service members wear ‘Make Aircrew Great Again’ patches with image of Trump
President Donald J. Trump greets U.S. Army General Vincent Brooks, United States Forces of Korea commander, after landing at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov 7, as part of his 13-day trip through the Pacific Theater. President Trump traveled from Osan to Camp Humphreys to speak with service members. Afterward, he is expected to speak with key military leaders of the region on strengthening the international resolve to confront the North Korean threat and ensure the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Echols III/Released)
David Badash
and
The New Civil Rights Movement
May 28, 2019 | 12:27PM ETTrump

Some U.S. service members have been wearing patches with a likeness of President Donald Trump that echo his political campaign slogan, but with a twist. The words, "Make Aircrew Great Again" are embroidered on the patches.

Wall Street Journal White House reporter Vivian Salama Monday night tweeted out images of the airmen aboard the Navy's USS Wasp.

National Observer reporter Caroline Orr did some digging, and found out that these patches have been used by some for a few years now, as HuffPost noted.

Orr, a behavioral scientist, specializes in disinformation and the rise of hate. She adds:

"This is a frightening reflection of our nation's descent into authoritarianism."

Some on social media claim the patches violate military law, the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice), especially those who see them as a political statement.

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