Sen. Slotkin presses Hegseth, Caine to commit to keeping U.S. military out of the midterm elections

U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin has formally requested that the Department of Defense commit to keeping military personnel out of the upcoming midterm elections. In letters sent Tuesday, Slotkin urged Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley to confirm that federal troops will not be deployed to polling stations or used to seize election materials.

Slotkin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed her concerns about the potential for military involvement in the electoral process. Her inquiry aims to secure a clear statement from the Pentagon affirming its commitment to non-interference in domestic elections. The congresswoman emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in the integrity of the election system.

The request highlights ongoing anxieties surrounding the role of the military in civilian affairs, particularly during sensitive political periods. Slotkin's proactive stance seeks to preempt any possibility of the armed forces being used in a capacity that could undermine democratic processes.

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I'd ask you to confirm a simple statement: the Department of Defense will not send Federal troops to the polls or to seize election materials of any kind.