In a dramatic display of political theatrics, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has suggested that the U.S. Navy SEALs should be yanked from their vital combat missions to provide personal security for former President Donald Trump. This call came in the wake of the second alleged assassination attempt on Trump within two months.
During an appearance on Fox Business, Tuberville told Larry Kudlow that the Navy SEALs should abandon their crucial military roles to guard Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where a man armed with a high-powered rifle was recently apprehended. Tuberville criticized the response to the threat, saying, “They’re trying to kill the only guy that has a chance to get this fixed,” though he didn’t specify who “they” are. He went on to blast the current administration, asserting that there’s a lack of concern for Trump’s safety.
“Of course, President Biden, I don’t know who’s running our country, but somebody needs to step to the plate and at least act like you care about a Republican candidate. But they truly don’t. They could care less,” he added.
In Tuberville’s view, the presence of SEAL teams and military personnel at Mar-a-Lago is imperative, suggesting that Trump deserves this high level of protection, unlike other high-profile figures in Washington, D.C.
“There, there needs to be SEAL teams, there needs to be military, I don’t know what these people are thinking. And of course, Chuck Schumer and McConnell, all these people running around up here with all kinds of security in Washington, D.C. And the one man that we need to protect his life, is Donald Trump, and they refuse to do it,” the Alabama senator charged.
Tuberville’s statements come despite the fact that Trump was already shielded by a robust security detail that effectively neutralized the threat from the armed assailant.
Tuberville’s demand seems particularly outlandish given his own recent history of antagonizing the military. Last year, he blocked hundreds of military appointments and promotions as part of a protest against a Pentagon policy that allows service members to take medical leave for abortions if necessary.
The absurdity of Tuberville’s request highlights a troubling trend of using sensational and unfounded demands for political gain, rather than addressing substantive issues in a responsible manner.
Watch the interview below:
Tommy Tuberville on Fox Business says "they're" trying to kill Trump and calls for Navy Seals teams and "military" to protect him pic.twitter.com/vPZiL7sr8C
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 16, 2024