Military Officer Arrested After Demanding Trump’s Impeachment
An active-duty U.S. Air Force major has been arrested after staging a protest on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where he called for the impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Maj. Jason Watson was taken into custody by U.S. Capitol Police on Wednesday after speaking at a news conference organised by the Removal Coalition, a group advocating for Trump’s impeachment.
Former Texas Congressman Al Green, who repeatedly sought Trump’s impeachment during his time in Congress, also attended the event.
Addressing supporters, Watson argued that Congress had failed to act against the administration and urged lawmakers to follow Green’s example.
He said, “If Congress followed his example, we could remove the entire Trump administration, but Congress remains unconvinced of the urgency and necessity for them to honor their oaths, so we must persuade them with our unrelenting, uncompromising civil resistance.”
Watson also clarified that he is not a Democrat and said his appearance alongside Green did not mean he shared all of the former lawmaker’s political positions.
According to Capitol Police, Watson was initially allowed onto the House Steps while accompanying a member of Congress.
However, after the lawmaker left, officers informed him that public demonstrations were not permitted in that location and instructed him to end the protest.
Police said Watson refused to comply with repeated lawful orders and was arrested on charges of crowding, obstructing and incommoding. Authorities noted that demonstrations are permitted in other designated areas of the Capitol grounds.
The arrest has drawn additional attention because Watson is an active-duty military officer. Military rules prohibit service members from engaging in political activities while in uniform and require them to maintain strict standards of professional conduct.
In a statement, an Air Force spokesperson said all personnel are expected to obey laws, regulations and policies governing their conduct and the wearing of the military uniform.
During his remarks, Watson accused the Trump administration of exceeding its constitutional authority through its actions in Iran and Venezuela, arguing that Congress’ war powers had been undermined.
He also criticised the administration’s immigration policies, describing them as unconstitutional, and insisted that both Trump and Vance should be impeached and removed from office.
The Removal Coalition did not immediately comment on the arrest, while Watson could not be reached following the incident.
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