‘Trump has betrayed America’: Candace Owens tells US service members to quit the military

WASHINGTON, DC: Candace Owens called on US troops to quit the military, claiming President Donald Trump “betrayed” them on behalf of Israel. 

The conservative commentator argued that American service members are being asked to risk their lives for a foreign nation’s interests instead of their own.

 Candace Owens tells US troops there's 'no honor in being led by dishonorable men to your death'

The controversy began when Owens shared a clip of former Israeli IDF Chief Benny Gantz discussing the need for "boots on the ground" in Iran.

When asked about American involvement, Gantz replied, “I exclude nothing,” a sentiment shared by President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Journalist Max Blumenthal originally shared the video, writing, “Former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz declares that he won’t rule out American boots on the ground in Iran. Every US service member needs to see this to understand who’s calling the shots.”

Owens, a staunch critic of Israel, shared Blumenthal’s post and told her audience, “Do not join or remain in the United States Military. Trump has betrayed America and expects you to die for Israel.” 

She further claimed that “there is no honor in being led by dishonorable men to your death.”

Because Owens hosts one of the most popular podcast shows in the country, these comments quickly drew a fierce backlash from people on the right who were once her allies. However, did not back down from her statements. 

When asked for a comment by Mediaite, she explained her position by saying, “Americans should stop dying so Israel can expand its borders while our country continues to decline. This isn’t complicated.” 

Owens, a once-close ally of Trump, has lately made headlines for platforming conspiracy theories.

Trump's explanation of his decision to attack Iran

It is to be noted that President Trump has defended the military action by stating it was necessary to stop an "imminent threat" from Iran. 

He claimed that the war began because Iran refused to give up its nuclear ambitions and was building long-range missiles that could "soon reach the American homeland." 

The presdient argued that he tried to make a deal with Iran after earlier strikes in 2025, but the regime "rejected every opportunity" for peace. 

He also pointed to the regime's violent crackdown on its own protesters as a sign that the leadership was "evil" and had to be stopped to protect the future of the world.