Washington, D.C., October 30, 2024— As the 2024 presidential election approaches, military service members are sharply divided on Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, reflecting racial, cultural, and ideological differences that underscore broader national debates with both candidates offering starkly different visions for the future of the U.S. military and veterans’ services.
Harris and Walz: Advocates for Veterans and Justice
For many Black service members, the Harris-Walz ticket represents a platform that prioritizes equality, justice, and the expansion of support for veterans. Kamala Harris, who could become the first Black and South Asian woman president, has long championed criminal justice reform, veterans care, and initiatives addressing racial inequities—issues that resonate strongly with parts of the military.
Diedre Windsor, a retired U.S. Army major and founder of the Windsor Group LLC, voiced strong support for Harris, criticizing the prospect of Trump’s return to office. “I’m honestly taken aback that we’re even considering a convicted felon for the Office of the President,” she said. “Integrity, honor, and respect for the law are fundamental to my core values. Trump’s history of assault and legal convictions undermines the principles we expect in our Commander-in-Chief.”
Karen Gibbs, a retired Navy JAG officer and longtime friend of Harris, echoed this sentiment, noting how current proposals, such as Project 2025, threaten veterans’ benefits. “Promises we were given are at risk under proposals that could jeopardize medical, retirement, and disability benefits,” Gibbs said, referencing the potential impact on veterans like herself.
Governor Tim Walz, a former National Guard member, further bolsters Harris’s appeal, particularly among Black service members. “Governor Walz’s military experience brings credibility and unity to the table that complements Vice President Harris’s 3.5 years of leadership,” said Colonel Michael Black (Retired), a 27-year active-duty veteran whose niece, Taylor Swinton, is a junior at Howard University. “His service gives her a trusted advisor with firsthand knowledge of the sacrifices of military life.
Trump and Vance: Defense Spending and Traditional Values
On the opposite side of the political spectrum, many White service members who supported Donald Trump in 2020 remain loyal to the former president. Trump’s emphasis on increasing defense budgets, securing military benefits, and pursuing a strong foreign policy resonates with service members who feel the military has been neglected in recent years.
“Vance is a threat to the Democratic ticket,” said Jessie Jane Duff, Executive Director of Veterans and Military Families for Trump, in an interview with The Washington Examiner. “His military record and youthfulness are attractive to veterans, especially those from the post-9/11 era.”
Senator J.D. Vance, a former Marine and author of Hillbilly Elegy, has earned support from military members who appreciate his outsider perspective and his criticisms of military intervention. Many also align with the traditional values and economic security Trump and Vance advocate.
Shared Concerns Across Racial Lines
Despite ideological and racial divides, service members across both tickets share common concerns, including the need for better mental health resources, support after service, and protection from overseas threats. Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA), a former Marine who served four tours in Iraq, highlighted these shared priorities. “The troops will support Harris or Trump based on what each stands for,” Moulton said. “What should be universal is that we all want our service appreciated, and veterans cared for when we get home.”
Polls show mixed support for both candidates within the military, with a majority of service members backing Trump. Support for either candidate often depends on personal experiences and beliefs about patriotism and the values they hope future leaders will uphold.
Looking Ahead: The Military’s Role in Shaping America’s Future
As the election nears, military members continue to debate the best path forward for the country. From military readiness to veterans’ care, from the treatment of women in the military to national security, service members are grappling with how to protect and promote the ideals of freedom and liberty. With two contrasting visions of America’s future, the military’s voice remains crucial in shaping the nation’s direction.
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