Air Force Major Faces Charges

PHOTO CAPTION: U.S. President Donald Trump disembarks Air Force One upon arrival at Myrtle Beach International Airport in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, U.S., August 21, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 — An active-duty U.S. military officer who publicly called for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to be impeached is facing three charges under the military justice system, his attorney and the Air Force said Tuesday.

Major Jason Watson denounced Trump and Vance during a protest last month over actions that included going to war with Iran without congressional authorization, according to video of the event posted online.

The video showed U.S. Capitol Police detaining Watson while he held a sign calling for Trump and Vance to be impeached, convicted and removed from office.

Watson’s attorney said the officer would face charges under three provisions of military law, including Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, a rarely used provision prohibiting commissioned officers from using contemptuous words against certain government officials.

“Major Watson acted knowing the risks to his career and his liberty,” attorney Christopher Mutimer said.

“It is my hope that other Americans who feel powerless in this moment will take some measure of courage from his willingness to speak and to stand by his convictions,” Mutimer added.

The Air Force confirmed that Watson had been charged and said he would remain in pretrial confinement while being afforded the right to due process.

U.S. military personnel face restrictions on political activity, particularly while in uniform. Article 88 prohibits officers from using “contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress” and other U.S. officials.

(Source: Reuters)