'A frightening reflection of our nation's descent into authoritarianism': US service members wear ‘Make Aircrew Great Again’ patches with image of Trump
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.
Airmen onboard the USS WASP wearing patches on their jumpsuits that read “Make Aircrew Great Again.” The patches in… https://t.co/s9rmJ6ZEhQ— Vivian Salama (@Vivian Salama) 1559011691.0
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.
I had to check to make sure this was real. Verdict: Yes, these airmen really are wearing patches that say "Make Air… https://t.co/3sMiQjZ07j— Caroline Orr Bueno (@Caroline Orr Bueno) 1559014151.0
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.
