Former Army secretary endorses Biden for his 'moral leadership'
Eric Fanning also recently signed an op-ed in opposition to Donald Trump’s threat to use active-duty troops against protesters.
The first openly gay Army secretary says he’s supporting Joe Biden for president, the latest endorsement from a former military leader who had criticized Donald Trump over his handling of anti-racism demonstrations.
Eric Fanning, who held a variety of Navy and Air Force civilian positions and was Army secretary from 2016 to 2017, on Wednesday cited Biden’s “empathy” and “integrity” in engaging with members of the military.
“The next president faces a monumental task: repairing our damaged democracy and our eroded moral leadership around the world,” Fanning said in his announcement. “I know Vice President Biden will be a commander in chief who leads the world’s greatest military by upholding its values.”
Fanning pointed to Biden’s early support of gays and lesbians, including guiding repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy to allow them to serve openly in the armed forces. He recounted Biden’s commencement speech at West Point four years ago and how the former vice president saluted class president and First Captain E.J. Coleman, who had recently come out as gay.
“Joe Biden’s leadership in steering repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ ensured that E.J. and thousands like him over the past decade were never forced to live a lie in order to serve the country they love,” he said.
Fanning is among 89 former senior defense officials who recently signed an op-ed to voice opposition to Trump’s threatened use of active-duty troops to quell protests over George Floyd’s killing by Minneapolis police.
Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, endorsed Biden last week. Others, including former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, have criticized Trump’s leadership. Retired military leaders typically are guarded in expressing private political views.
Trump, a Republican, has faced increased strain with the Pentagon over concerns about politicizing the military, with both Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, distancing themselves from him over the protests.
Biden clinched the Democratic presidential nomination earlier this month.
Recommended
Biden campaign launches new ad focused on Affordable Care Act
Former President Trump has said he wants to do away with the popular health care law.
By Kim Lyons, Pennsylvania Capital-Star - May 08, 2024Trump leaves door open to banning medication abortion nationwide
Donald Trump is planning to release more details in the weeks ahead about how his administration would regulate access to medication abortion, according to comments he made during a lengthy interview with Time magazine published Tuesday.
By Jennifer Shutt, States Newsroom - April 30, 2024Biden on abortion rights: President expects to give speech Tuesday on new Florida 6-week ban
‘Having the president of the United States speaking out loud and with confidence about abortion access is a great thing’
By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix - April 22, 2024