By Ben Hodges
As military veterans, we swear to defend the Constitution — a document rooted in America’s core values. As this election season heats up, a fair litmus test for elected officials is simple: Do they uphold the principles of the Constitution? For Donald Trump and his apologist in the Lowcountry, Rep. Nancy Mace, the answer is a resounding no.
For years, Trump has insulted veterans, calling the fallen “suckers and losers,” belittling John McCain for his capture during the Vietnam War, and arrogantly referring to military leaders as “my generals.” His disregard for our Constitution was laid bare when he refused to honor the peaceful transfer of power after his presidency.
I grew up a proud Republican in a Reagan-loving household. But after watching Trump’s first term, I couldn’t stomach what the GOP had become, and I left the party after the January 6 Capitol riots.
Trump’s latest playbook, Project 2025, threatens veterans’ livelihoods by slashing Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits. Crafted by the Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 would force veterans to choose between retirement or disability and limits long-term claims for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burn pit exposure. As a Citadel graduate, Congresswoman Nancy Mace continues to enable these dangerous policies – and she should know better.
A few months ago, Trump desecrated Arlington National Cemetery by using it as a partisan photo-op, dishonoring the sacrifices of those buried there. Mace’s silence on this disgusting act speaks volumes.
Despite her military background, Mace has consistently opposed funding Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Her MAGA loyalty blinds her to the larger picture.
Trump has openly said he’d allow Russia to do “whatever the hell they want” with NATO members that fall short of the 2% GDP requirement for the defense budget. This dangerous stance invites Russia to prey on our allies and puts global security at risk.
It’s mind-boggling that the party of Reagan, once steadfast and vigilant against Soviet threats, is now under Trump and Mace’s sway, bending to the will of our Cold War adversaries.
This has ripple effects; China watches closely as the U.S. falters in protecting Ukraine, potentially emboldening Beijing to escalate threats against Taiwan. Likewise, a weakened Russia would curb Iran’s ability to destabilize the Middle East.
Here in the Lowcountry, this conflict isn’t just distant news – it impacts our wallets. Rising costs of staples like poultry and fish are linked to the war. If Ukraine falls, the economic and security consequences will be felt not only abroad, but right here in South Carolina. The Lowcountry has a proud tradition of military service, from the 1st South Carolina Volunteers of African Descent to local veterans who have served our nation with honor. Nancy Mace’s betrayal of these principles is a gut punch to those who sacrificed everything.
After 38 years of service in the U.S. Army, I cannot support anyone who enables a wannabe dictator. South Carolina deserves better, and I’m voting against Nancy Mace – she’s a threat to our national security, and I hope my fellow veterans will join me. Voting for a Democrat for President and for Michael B. Moore for SC-1 doesn’t make you a Democrat; it just means you still care about our Constitution and all the values you fought for.
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges was commanding general of NATO’s Allied Land Command from August 2012 to November 2014 and then served as commanding general of the U.S. Army Europe from November 2014 until December 2017. He is a Lowcountry resident, currently based in Europe.
