VETERANS CONDEMN TRUMP’S POLITICS AS ANTITHETICAL TO MLK Jr. DAY AND LEGACY ahead of Monday’s inauguration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 17, 2025
“The irony of Trump’s inauguration falling on MLK Day cannot be ignored.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of this year’s Martin Luther King Jr Day, Common Defense and its veterans are highlighting the stark contrast between the legacy of Dr. King and Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, which both fall on the same date. For many veterans who have fought to uphold democracy and equality, Trump’s divisive and authoritarian politics represent a betrayal of the ideals Dr. King fought and died for.
“I can't think of anyone whose values and actions stand in greater opposition to everything Dr. King represented than President-elect Donald Trump. Dr. King’s dream was one of justice, equality, and nonviolent resistance to oppression.” said Jose Vasquez, Army Veteran and Executive Director for Common Defense. “Trump’s actions, violent rhetoric, and unjust policies stand in direct opposition to that vision by promoting hate, sowing division, and eroding democracy.”
Veterans of Common Defense highlight Trump’s attacks on voting rights, his vilification of marginalized communities, and his disdain for peaceful protest as clear evidence that his values are diametrically opposed to Dr. King’s mission. They emphasize that defending democracy today requires standing against these threats to ensure an equitable and inclusive America remains possible.
“As veterans, we swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. So for veterans like myself and many others that means standing tall against Trumpism and ensuring that Dr. King’s dream of an equitable and inclusive America is not extinguished by authoritarianism.” - Lakiesha Lloyd, Army Veteran and member of Common Defense’s Black Veterans Caucus
“The irony of Trump’s inauguration falling on MLK Day cannot be ignored. Where Dr. King’s legacy calls us to build bridges, Trump’s presidency was marked by walls—literal and figurative. Where Dr. King called for justice, Trump peddled in grievance and division. Dr. King spoke of a “Beloved Community” where people of all races and backgrounds could thrive together; Trump’s America too often stokes the fires of hatred, fear, and division.” - Stephen Miller-Pitts, US Army Veteran and member of Common Defense’s Black Veterans Caucus
Common Defense remains committed to organizing veterans to fight against extremism and ensure that Dr. King’s legacy and the holidays intended to honor it are not distorted and overshadowed by those who oppose the principles of equality and democracy.
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Common Defense Civic Engagement is a grassroots, veteran-led organization that was founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as unwilling political props, and Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who truly share our values.