U.S. top general says troops will not be deployed to polling stations for November election

Washington — In a statement released Tuesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed mounting concerns from Democratic lawmakers that the U.S. military could be leveraged to influence the upcoming midterm elections. Speaking at a press briefing, Austin emphasized that the Department of Defense operates under strict legal frameworks that prohibit any involvement in domestic political activities, reaffirming the military’s longstanding commitment to political neutrality.

Austin’s remarks followed a series of questions from Senate and House Democrats who cited recent reports of heightened political rhetoric and the potential for misuse of federal resources. The secretary cited the Posse Comitatus Act and Department of Defense directives that explicitly forbid the deployment of armed forces for electioneering or law‑enforcement duties unrelated to national security. He also noted ongoing coordination with the Department of Justice and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to safeguard election integrity, underscoring that any violation would trigger immediate investigation and disciplinary action. The briefing concluded with a reiteration that the armed forces remain apolitical and dedicated solely to defending the Constitution.