Air Force Major Charged Under UCMJ For Contemptuous Trump Remarks
Maj. Jason Watson of the U.S. Air Force was charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice on Tuesday.[1] The charges include three counts alleging contemptuous remarks about President Donald Trump.[1]
Watson also faces counts of disobeying orders and conduct unbecoming an officer.[1] His lawyer and CBS reported he is the first major in U.S. military history to be charged under Article 88.[1] They said the case is being processed through formal criminal charges rather than only internal discipline.[1] Air Force Secretary Troy Meink publicly reminded airmen after Watson's July detention to comply with rules on personal conduct, political activity and uniform wear.[1]
On July 1, 2026, Watson was detained while protesting in uniform on the U.S. Capitol steps with a sign that read "Impeach. Convict. Remove" referring to President Trump.[1] He was detained again in August after a CNN interview.[1] In that interview he said Trump was "not only a failure as president, he is flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaged in rampant corruption and is killing Americans." CBS News
Watson's attorney described the filing as unprecedented for an officer of his rank.[1] The move shifts the response from earlier detentions and public reminders about conduct to formal UCMJ prosecution.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On July 1, 2026, Maj. Jason Watson was detained while protesting in uniform on the U.S. Capitol steps with a sign reading "Impeach. Convict. Remove" referring to President Trump.
- Watson was detained a second time in August 2026 after a CNN interview where he said Trump is "not only a failure as president, he is flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaged in rampant corruption and is killing Americans."
- Watson has been charged with three violations of Article 88 for contemptuous remarks about the president, along with disobeying orders and conduct unbecoming an officer.
- Watson's attorney and CBS News report that he is the first major in U.S. military history to be charged under Article 88, and the case is being handled through formal criminal charges instead of solely internal discipline.
- Air Force Secretary Troy Meink publicly reminded airmen after Watson's July detention to comply with laws and policies on personal conduct, political activity, and uniform wear.
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