A bombshell proposal from former President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of controversy and a stern rebuke from the highest levels of the US military. According to reports, Trump allegedly suggested using the iconic Yankee Stadium as a venue for a large-scale political rally, a plan that would have involved the highly unusual mobilisation of Pentagon resources.
Pentagon Condemns "Gross Misuse" of Military Assets
The revelation, brought to light by right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, was met with immediate and forceful opposition from defence officials. A Pentagon spokesperson delivered a scathing assessment, stating that such an event would constitute a gross misuse of vital Department of Defence assets.
The statement emphasised the military's strict non-partisan role, clarifying that its resources are dedicated solely to training, readiness, and the defence of the nation, not for facilitating domestic political events. The very notion of deploying military personnel and equipment for a campaign rally was described as entirely inappropriate and against protocol.
Charlie Kirk's Claims Fuel the Controversy
The source of the claim, Charlie Kirk, a prominent and controversial MAGA-aligned figure, stated that Trump had floated the idea of a "massive rally" at the famed Bronx ballpark. This suggestion immediately raised alarming questions about the potential use of active-duty troops for crowd control and logistics, a concept that sits far outside the normal purview of the US armed forces.
Kirk's recounting of the event positions it as a demonstration of Trump's showmanship, but critics and officials have interpreted it as a dangerous blurring of the lines between political ambition and military authority.
A Pattern of Unorthodox Requests
This incident is not viewed in isolation. Political analysts have been quick to point out that it appears to follow a pattern from Trump's presidency, where he was repeatedly accused of seeking to use the trappings of his office and government resources for political and personal gain.
The Yankee Stadium idea is seen as a further escalation, directly implicating the non-partisan military in the spectacle of a campaign rally, thereby threatening to erode public trust in one of the nation's most respected institutions.
The swift and public shutdown from the Pentagon underscores the enduring protocols within the US government that are designed to prevent the military from being drawn into the political fray, even when pressured by a former Commander-in-Chief.
