Air Force Major Charged for Criticizing Trump in Uniform

A U.S. Air Force major has been criminally charged with ten violations of military law following a series of public protests and interviews criticizing President Donald Trump, the Air Force confirmed on August 25, 2026. Major Jason Watson, a 17-year service member, faces charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for alleged contemptuous remarks, disobedience of orders, and conduct unbecoming an officer.

The charges stem from three separate incidents. On June 1, Watson gave an interview to the Defenders of Our Republic newsletter. On July 1, he was arrested on the steps of the U.S. Capitol while wearing his uniform and holding a sign calling for Trump's impeachment, conviction, and removal. He was arrested a second time on August 17 following a live interview on CNN in which he stated, "Not only is Trump a failure as president, he is flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaged in rampant corruption, and is killing Americans."

According to charging documents shared by his attorney, Watson faces three violations of Article 88 for contemptuous remarks toward the president, five violations of Article 92 for disobeying orders, and two violations of...