US Air Force officer faces jail for Trump administration protest

These three words could send a serving US Air Force major to jail and see him lose his job, pension and entitlements.

So who is Major Jason Watson, what did he do and why did he put so much at risk?

On July 1, Major Watson spoke about Donald Trump's actions regarding Venezuela and Iran at a press conference at Capitol Hill .

He said when the US president "orders military action against foreign countries absent an emergency scenario where American interests are under imminent, dire threat," that it was unconstitutional, because it usurped Congress's authority and violated the War Powers Clause.

"These violations resulted in the deaths of 13 service members and injuries of hundreds more," he said.

"For this, the president and vice president must be impeached, convicted, and removed."

Following his statement Major Watson climbed up the steps of the Capitol and held up a sign saying "Impeach, Convict, Remove".

Capitol police arrested him and, according to the Military Times, he was transferred to the Metropolitan Police Department and held overnight in jail until a court hearing the next day.

Laws governing US military service members place restrictions on their political activities, particularly while in uniform.

The US Air Force confirmed Major Watson had been charged, and said he would continue to be held in pre-trial confinement and be afforded the right to due process.

Major Watson has an Article 32 hearing scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026 at a military installation in the Washington DC area, a preliminary proceeding to determine if there is enough evidence for a court martial.

He is facing 10 charges under the US Uniform Code of Military Justice:

Penalties could include reprimand, loss of privileges, reassignment, reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, extra duties or restrictions, dishonourable discharge, confinement and loss of benefits.

Major Watson is a father of two young children and has served 17 years in the US Air Force.