Mayra Guillén, the sister of Army soldier Vanessa Guillén, who tragically died in circumstances that highlighted the military’s issues with sexual assault, expressed her support for President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. On social media platform X, she conveyed her strong belief in Hegseth’s capabilities to lead the Department of Defense, emphasizing that her sister had been proud to serve the nation and that the changes initiated due to Vanessa’s death were significant. Her endorsement may influence senators like Joni Ernst, who have a history of addressing military sexual assault, potentially swaying undecided representatives in Hegseth’s confirmation process.
In her post, Guillén referenced the “I Am Vanessa Guillén Act,” which she credited as a watershed moment for military policy reforms. She noted that President Trump’s support for the legislation was instrumental in creating necessary changes in the military code following her sister’s death. This acknowledgment casts a spotlight on the accountability and reforms within the military justice system and demonstrates Guillén’s belief that Hegseth would continue this progress, initiate further improvements, and uphold the rights of service members.
Moreover, Guillén was critical of current Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, arguing that his tenure has been marred by failures to provide benefits to military personnel and a significant crisis in recruitment and retention. She pointed to low enlistment numbers and morale issues as evidence of a broader problem, claiming that the politicization of military issues under Austin’s watch has led to diminished trust among service members. Her outspoken opinion on the pressing need for reform underscores her desire for leadership that prioritizes the welfare of military personnel and strengthens the armed forces.
Guillén’s endorsement arrives at a tumultuous time for Hegseth’s nomination, who has faced a concentrated effort to derail his confirmation. Amid these challenges, Mayra shared her experiences from a previous anti-Trump campaign, highlighting the difficult and often politicized narrative surrounding her sister’s untimely death. Her willingness to directly confront narratives that paint the Trump administration negatively further indicates her commitment to her family’s legacy and her belief in the importance of political support for military reforms.
Responding to the press, particularly the unsolicited and unverified claims published by the Atlantic, Guillén emphasized the need for truth amidst political exploitation of her sister’s story. She expressed concern that such narratives detract from the genuine issues at hand: the safety and rights of military personnel. By reinforcing her political stance, she aims to clarify her position not only as a family member mourning a loss but also as an activist advocating for meaningful change in military policies.
Ultimately, Guillén’s powerful endorsement of Pete Hegseth serves as both an affirmation of her faith in military reform and a personal testament to her sister’s legacy. Through her advocacy, she hopes to influence policy changes that ensure the lives and rights of service members are respected and safeguarded. Guillén’s strong voice in this critical dialogue surrounding military reform underscores the need for continued attention to the pressing issues of sexual assault and the overall welfare of those who serve in the armed forces.
