Fact Check: Did Karoline Leavitt say Trump could mandate military service?
WASHINGTON, DC: As the United States escalated its conflict with Iran after killing its supreme leader in a joint operation with Israel, leading to the death of seven US soldiers, a rumor has been circulating on social media platforms that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump might institute a draft. Let us fact-check the claim.
Claim: Donald Trump might institute a draft
A video of a Fox News interview featuring Karoline Leavitt has been widely shared, in which the press secretary allegedly said that Trump might institute a draft, which would require US citizens to serve in the military.
The claim has sparked panic and outrage, with many condemning the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
Fact Check: Karoline Leavitt made no such remark
The claim, however, is false, as Leavitt did not say that the president might institute a draft.
The press secretary stated that, as of now, the confrontation will continue as an air campaign and went on to say, “President Trump wisely does not remove options off the table. I know a lot of politicians love to do that quickly, but the president, as commander in chief want to continue to assess the success of this military operation.”
She stressed that 'it is not part of the current plan right now.' She concluded her statement by saying, “The president again wisely keeps his options on the table.”
No part of her statement suggests that the president is considering instituting a draft, as falsely claimed by the viral tweet.
Death toll rises to seven as conflict enters day nine
The claim surfaced as the conflict with Iran entered its 9th day, and reports confirmed another American casualty. A 7th US service member has died from injuries sustained in the fighting.
This latest death raises the total number of US service members killed in 'Operation Epic Fury'. Just days ago, the 6 fatalities were identified, including the youngest, 20-year-old Sergeant Declan Coady.
The Pentagon has not yet released the name of the most recent fallen soldier.
On Saturday, March 7, Donald Trump attended a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base to honor the six US service members who were killed in a drone strike in Kuwait.
The conflict with Iran began on February 28 and escalated to new levels of intensity, spreading across the Middle East.
