A former U.S. Marine Corps colonel resigned after 24 years of service, citing President Donald Trump’s disregard for the Constitution and deep concerns for the nation’s future as his primary reasons. Doug Krugman, a combat veteran, made his resignation public through an op-ed in The Washington Post on October 16, 2025, explaining that he could no longer in good conscience serve under a commander-in-chief who repeatedly tests the limits of presidential power.
Krugman’s decision to leave the military on September 30 was timed with a significant event: Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered partisan addresses to top military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. During this meeting, Trump warned officers that dissent could cost them their careers, but Krugman had already chosen to depart, feeling that the administration’s direction conflicted with his oath to uphold the Constitution. The resignation coincided with broader shifts in military policy under Trump’s second term, including the rebranding of the Defense Department as the ‘Department of War’ and increased focus on domestic deployments.
The colonel’s concerns began during Trump’s first term, particularly with the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, which he viewed as an assault on democracy encouraged by the then-president. Krugman hoped Trump would learn from this, but upon his return to office in 2025, the pardoning of insurrectionists and the halt to Afghan refugee programs reinforced his doubts. He noted that many Afghans had risked their lives for the U.S., and abandoning them felt unjust, highlighting a moral conflict that made continued service untenable.
Further aggravating the situation were Trump’s actions to federalize the National Guard for deployments in cities like Portland, Oregon, without local request, and the administration’s emphasis on issues like military personnel appearance over substantive policy. Krugman described these moves as crossing ‘legal limits’ and having ‘little connection to reality,’ emphasizing that they are not actions he is willing to defend with his life. This sentiment was echoed in reports of the Pentagon attempting to impose media restrictions, which many news outlets rejected.
In his op-ed, Krugman advised current service members to confidently question orders that may be immoral or illegal, reminding them that they are accountable for their decisions and that others share their concerns. He stressed that military personnel should not feel isolated in their doubts and must uphold their ethical responsibilities, even in the face of political pressure. This guidance comes amid growing discussions about the role of the armed forces in a polarized political environment.
The resignation underscores broader unease within the military under Trump’s leadership, with critics pointing to a pattern of politicization and constitutional overreach. Krugman’s public stance has ignited debates about loyalty, duty, and the balance between following orders and adhering to core democratic principles. His story reflects a personal sacrifice made in defense of institutional integrity, resonating with others who may be grappling with similar dilemmas.
Looking ahead, Krugman warned that without legislative action to clarify presidential powers, the U.S. could slide toward governmental collapse. He called for bipartisan efforts to strengthen constitutional safeguards, ensuring that future administrations, regardless of party, cannot easily undermine democratic foundations. His op-ed serves as a poignant reminder of the high stakes involved when political leadership clashes with the values enshrined in the nation’s founding documents.