(CNN) The military is still the most respected institution in America, but this respect is not a given. The politicizing of the military under the Trump administration and the growth of right-wing extremism among veterans are serious threats to that national admiration. There were signs of right-wing extremism in the military as far back as 2009. For the past decade, far-right extremist activities have surged, and the problem got worse under President Donald Trump. By consistently using racially coded language and other dog whistles, he encouraged and, arguably, grew extremism nationwide, including within the military and veterans community.

Source: The Nation February 12, 2021 03:56 UTC