In a sharply worded statement echoing former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, Republican Representative Scott Perry of Pennsylvania accused Democrats of harboring animosity toward the U.S. military—a claim that has reignited partisan tensions over patriotism and national defense.
Speaking at a campaign event in York County on Monday, October 20, 2025, Rep. Perry declared, “The left doesn’t just disagree with our policies—they hate the military.” The remark aligns with a broader Republican strategy to frame Democrats as unpatriotic and out of touch with America’s armed forces.
Scott Perry’s Comments in Context
Perry, a staunch Trump ally and member of the House Freedom Caucus, has long positioned himself as a defender of conservative values and military strength. His latest comments come amid escalating political rhetoric ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, where national security and veterans’ issues are expected to play central roles.
“They cut defense budgets, defund recruitment, and mock our troops while praising foreign adversaries,” Perry claimed, though he provided no specific evidence to support the sweeping allegations.
Democratic Response
Democratic leaders swiftly condemned the remarks as inflammatory and misleading. “Serving in the military isn’t a partisan issue,” said Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, an Army veteran. “To suggest that Democrats hate the military is not just false—it’s dangerous.”
The Democratic National Committee released a statement highlighting that many Democratic lawmakers are veterans themselves and that the party has consistently supported military healthcare, housing, and modernization programs.
Historical Pattern of Rhetoric
Perry’s comments mirror language frequently used by Trump during his presidency, particularly in 2020 when he accused Democrats of wanting to “abolish” the military—a distortion of progressive calls to reevaluate defense spending.
This framing has become a staple of GOP messaging, especially in swing districts with high veteran populations. Analysts say it’s designed to energize the Republican base and sway undecided voters concerned about national security.
Fact Check: Do Democrats ‘Hate the Military’?
Independent fact-checkers and defense policy experts widely reject the claim. According to the Congressional Budget Office, defense spending has increased under both Democratic and Republican administrations in recent years.
Moreover, the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act—which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support—allocated $886 billion to the Department of Defense, including pay raises for troops and investments in cybersecurity.
Public Opinion and Veteran Views
A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 78% of U.S. veterans believe both parties support the military, though they differ on how best to do so. Only 12% agreed with the statement that “Democrats dislike the armed forces.”
Timeline: Escalation of Military Rhetoric in U.S. Politics
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Trump accuses Democrats of “not liking soldiers” |
| 2020 | “Defund the military” mischaracterization spreads online |
| 2022 | House GOP launches “Support Our Troops” messaging campaign |
| 2025 | Rep. Scott Perry claims Democrats “hate the military” |
What’s Next?
With the 2026 elections approaching, experts predict this line of attack will intensify. Political strategists note that while such rhetoric may rally core supporters, it risks alienating moderate voters who view national defense as a unifying—not divisive—issue.
For now, Perry shows no sign of walking back his comments. “If they don’t like being called out,” he said, “maybe they should start standing with our troops instead of against them.”
