This Really is a Possibility Says Retired General

As the anniversary of the January 6 Capitol insurrection nears, three retired U.S. generals—Paul Eaton, Antonio Taguba, and Steven Anderson—have issued a stark warning about the potential for another insurrection following the 2024 presidential election, with concerns that some within the military could support such efforts. In a Washington Post op-ed, they emphasized the chilling possibility of a coup succeeding next time, citing the dangerous divisions already present in the country.

The generals expressed concern over the spread of doubt regarding the legitimacy of elections, which has even infiltrated the ranks of retired military personnel, as evidenced by 124 generals and admirals signing a letter contesting the 2020 election results. Eaton called for greater preparedness, urging the military to war-game potential contested election scenarios to prevent internal compromise. He warned that military loyalty must remain firmly with the Constitution, not political factions.

Despite his confidence in the current Pentagon leadership under Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, Eaton stressed the importance of re-educating Americans, especially younger generations, on the U.S. Constitution. He believes that civics lessons are essential in reinforcing the philosophical foundations of the nation and ensuring military personnel remain steadfast in their oath to protect and defend the Constitution.

Eaton also highlighted the need for a proactive approach to address any signs of doubt or disloyalty within the ranks. He argued that military leaders must be vigilant in identifying and addressing personnel who may not fully uphold their constitutional oaths, ensuring that the U.S. military remains a pillar of civilian-controlled governance.

CNN- As Donald Trump mingled and posed for pictures with firefighters on Wednesday – one of several stops to observe the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the United States – a small entourage of the former president’s inner circle looked on from outside Engine Company 4 Ladder Company 15 in New York City.

The group included the two most powerful individuals in Trump’s orbit, his co-campaign managers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles. Standing near them was another figure whose sway with the Republican nominee also cannot be discounted: the far-right provocateur Laura Loomer.

Of all the days to count Loomer as a travel companion, September 11 was notable. Last year, she posted a video on social media claiming that the attack on the World Trade Center towers was an “inside job,” an illogical but pervasive conspiracy theory that continues to haunt the families of victims and survivors. Her anti-Muslim social media posts eventually earned her a ban from Twitter that lasted until billionaire Elon Musk bought the website, now known as X, and restored her account.

Asked why Loomer joined Trump for his Patriot Day travels in New York and then Pennsylvania, a campaign official declined to directly address her presence and instead focused on the bipartisan appearance with Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden.

“The day wasn’t about anyone other than the souls who are no longer with us, their families, and the heroes who courageously stepped up to save their fellow Americans on that fateful day,” the official said.

Loomer, in a phone interview with CNN, said, “I don’t understand what the issue is about me going to a 9/11 memorial. In fact, the people who greeted President Trump at the memorial, were very happy to see me, and they said, ‘Thank you for coming.’”

She added, “I’ve never denied the fact that Islamic terrorists carried out the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In fact, the media calls me anti Muslim precisely for the reason that I spend so much time focusing on talking about the threats of Islamic terrorism in America.”

Loomer’s proximity on Wednesday was illustrative of her influence with Trump of late. She knows his personal number and has utilized it, one source familiar with the relationship told CNN. (Another source insisted she is respectful of his team and goes through the regular channels when she’s trying to reach him.) She’s been on a handful of trips with him, appears often at events where he is speaking and there have been times her bombastic social media posts have appeared to preview Trump’s next line of attack.

The former president has long embraced conspiracy theories and has regularly aligned himself with those who peddle in them, especially if they support him. He entered the political arena as one of the leading purveyors of myths about President Barack Obama’s birthplace. And after he lost the 2020 election, Trump surrounded himself with people who claimed with questionable or debunked evidence they could prove he won.