Part 6/9:
The discussion takes a critical turn as Zion analyzes the evolving perception of the military in the United States. Following the War on Terror, the military had generally enjoyed high public approval. However, with the rise of Donald Trump, a new conservative coalition emerged that increasingly challenged the military's role in governance, viewing it with skepticism and hostility.
The implications of this shift are evident as Trump’s administration begins to nominate individuals for defense roles who lack adequate military qualifications, suggesting a prioritization of political motives—specifically opposition to what are commonly termed "woke policies"—over traditional national security strategies.