In a notable event marking his retirement from the Navy, Ted Macie, a whistleblower and ex-military officer, signaled his political allegiance by endorsing former President Donald Trump. At a ceremony aboard the USS Constitution in Boston, Macie, wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat, articulated his rationale during an exclusive interview with Breitbart News. He expressed appreciation for Trump’s record, highlighting that the former president “didn’t start any wars,” emphasizing the importance of peace for both service members and their families. Macie also contrasted Trump’s strong border policies with those of Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he criticized for her lack of action on border issues. He praised Trump as a “political outsider” who has the potential to maintain peace and prevent unnecessary conflicts.
Macie’s own military career spanned over two decades, transitioning from a Seabee to an officer in the Navy’s medical service corps. He gained attention in 2022 for opposing the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which had resulted in the discharge of over 8,000 military personnel. After posting a video that raised concerns about vaccine injuries within the Navy, he faced scrutiny, leading to an investigation that alleged violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Despite legal barriers freezing the vaccine mandate, Macie claims he was effectively forced out of the Navy due to his refusal to comply with the mandate and a lack of promotion. He articulated his frustrations during his retirement ceremony, discussing the implications of government overreach and the necessity of protecting civil liberties.
During his remarks, Macie reflected on the broader implications of his experiences and emphasized the responsibility of citizens in the context of government accountability. He criticized Americans for becoming complacent, allowing authority figures to act against their interests, and urged them to reclaim their role in governance. He articulated a call to action, advocating for a collective effort among citizens in the fight for liberty and constitutional rights. By pledging to continue his fight post-retirement, Macie emphasized that his oath to the Constitution does not expire, reinforcing his commitment to safeguarding the foundational principles of the nation.
Macie expressed disappointment over the current state of the Navy, suggesting it is not in a better condition than when he joined. However, he took pride in having remained true to his oath, confronting illegal orders, and highlighting issues of corruption within the military ranks. He viewed his retirement from active duty not as an end but as a new beginning for his advocacy work. Beyond military service, he positioned himself as a citizen combatting potential tyranny, lamenting the apathy that he believes leads to greater governmental overreach.
In his discussion of the political landscape, Macie reaffirmed his support for Trump, marking his third occasion voting for the former president. He acknowledged Trump’s imperfections but underscored the drastic differences between Trump and the current administration under President Biden and Vice President Harris, particularly regarding adherence to constitutional principles. This endorsement aligns him with a growing cohort of retired military officers, over 200 of whom have recently signed an open letter endorsing Trump. The collective sentiment emphasized Trump’s proven ability to safeguard national security, contrasting it sharply with the administration’s perceived failings.
The statement from the group organizing the endorsement highlighted concerns over current leadership’s handling of national safety and the societal divisions exacerbated by policies such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They warned of the rising threats the United States faces and urged fellow citizens to rally behind Trump in the upcoming election, emphasizing the stakes of the political climate in the context of national security. As the debate around these critical issues unfolds, Macie’s narrative adds to the discourse on military leadership, accountability, and the role of citizens in safeguarding democracy in the United States.