In a memo released Thursday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin assured troops of the Pentagon’s commitment to a smooth transition following Donald Trump’s recent presidential victory. Austin emphasized that the military would remain politically neutral and prepared to execute “all lawful orders” from the incoming administration, underlining the military’s core duty to uphold the Constitution.
Trump’s win on Tuesday marks a dramatic return to the White House four years after he was voted out. Concerns about potential Election Day unrest had circulated, with Trump previously suggesting in an interview that military force could be used against domestic opposition if needed. In his memo, however, Austin firmly reiterated that the U.S. military would avoid involvement in the political arena, stressing its role in safeguarding the nation’s values and defending “the rights of all of our citizens.”
In the memo, Austin wrote: “The U.S. military will also continue to stand apart from the political arena; to stand guard over our republic with principle and professionalism; and to stand together with the valued allies and partners who deepen our security. As it always has, the U.S. military will stand ready to carry out the policy choices of its next commander in chief, and to obey all lawful orders from its civilian chain of command.
“You are the United States military — the finest fighting force on Earth — and you will continue to defend our country, our Constitution, and the rights of all of our citizens.”
Austin’s statement underscores the military’s commitment to professionalism and its loyalty to the civilian chain of command. He highlighted that the armed forces would continue supporting the policies of the newly elected administration while upholding alliances that secure national and global stability.
