Zero Trump Extremists Found in Vetting of 25,000 Inaugural National Guard Troops

In the days before President Biden’s inauguration, the nation was informed by various media outlets that there was possible grave threat to the president and others from within our own national troops. A very serious concern indeed.

Therefore, it was essential to carefully vet each of the 25,000 National Guard Troops that would be locking down the Capitol to catch any far-right, Trump extremists in their ranks who could bring mortal harm to the new president. In the days leading up to the inauguration, Politico reported blankly, “the military has a hate group problem.” They quoted Colorado Congressman Jason Crow who warned, “There is a crisis issue: the rise of extremism and white supremacy in the ranks” which he explained “has been fueled by President Trump, unfortunately.” Rep. Crow added, “So that has to be dealt with right away and unequivocally. That’s top of the list.”

The Associated Press said, “the very people assigned to protect the city over the next several days could present a threat to the incoming president and other VIPs in attendance.” Lieutenant General Marc Sasseville, vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, told National Public Radio “there is no room for extremism in our ranks.”

That dedicated members of the United States military could indeed put extreme politics before their sworn duty and possibly take the life of the nation’s new president is no small accusation to be sure. It is an incredibly serious charge which, if true, would be very problematic for our democracy and national security.

In the swift vetting in preparation for the inauguration, it was widely reported that 12 National Guard soldiers were dismissed from inaugural duty due to concerns and The New York Times reported “two of them for possible links to right-wing extremist movements.”

Since the inauguration, the National Guard and FBI looked further into their initial concern over these few soldiers. What did they find?

Reporters from The Federalist did the digging and got a final briefing from General Daniel R. Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. General Hokanson explained that of the 12 soldiers dismissed from duty, and the two specifically identified, “None of these individuals were flagged for extremist, criminal or threat association.” They were dismissed for other reasons.

While there are bad actors in every crowd of human beings of such significant size, it is remarkable that not one soldier presented a concern to their commanders or the FBI for extreme political views or having any interest or intention of causing harm to any political leader. That is a remarkable reflection upon those who serve us and give their lives to keep us safe.

The Federalist noted that none of the politicians who made the accusations have “apologized for besmirching the honor and morals of so many military service members, nor has the media done any kind of about-face on the nature of the threat.” They add, “The fact that exactly zero of the 25,000 guardsmen turned out to be extremists is very good news indeed and important for Americans to know even if it doesn’t fit the Democrat Party’s narrative” of threats of right-wing extremism running rampant throughout out our country and its military.

Our National Guard selflessly did their duty and no harm came to anyone during our nation’s difficult transfer of power on Inauguration Day with all thanks to our excellent and dedicated military and law enforcement professionals.

Photo from Sipa USA/REUTERS