Doug Krugman, a former US Marine Corps colonel and combat veteran, resigned after 24 years of service, citing concerns over President Donald Trump’s actions and what he described as the president’s disregard for the Constitution. Krugman’s decision to leave the military on September 30, coinciding with Trump’s controversial address to military leaders, reflects growing disillusionment among some military personnel with the direction of the country under Trump’s leadership.
Resignation Over Constitutional Concerns
In an op-ed for The Washington Post, Krugman explained that his resignation was driven by a belief that the United States was on a dangerous path. He voiced concern over Trump’s actions, particularly his disregard for the Constitution, and warned of the potential collapse of the country’s governmental system. “I gave up my career out of concern for our country’s future,” Krugman wrote, urging fellow military members to reflect on their roles and question immoral or illegal orders.
Trump’s Threat to Military Leaders
Krugman’s resignation came on the same day Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the country’s highest-ranking military officials. Trump’s remarks during the special meeting in Virginia were controversial, with the president warning military leaders that disapproval of his views could lead to the loss of their rank and careers. Krugman, however, had already made the decision to leave, and the president’s rhetoric only cemented his stance.
6 January Riots and Moral Dilemma
Krugman pointed to the January 6, 2021, riots as a turning point in his disillusionment. He described the events, where Trump’s extremist supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results, as a direct challenge to the country’s democratic institutions. Krugman also criticized Trump’s actions after the riots, particularly his pardoning of insurrectionists when he returned to the White House in 2025, and the refusal to grant refuge to Afghans who had supported US forces during the war in Afghanistan.
Questioning Trump’s Morality
Krugman expressed that these events made him question Trump’s moral compass, adding that the president’s actions, including the pardon of insurrectionists and refusal to protect allies, were not ones he was willing to defend with his life. He also criticized Trump’s use of vague emergency powers and his deployment of the National Guard without request, actions Krugman believed violated legal limits and undermined constitutional principles.
Warning Against Presidential Overreach
In his essay, Krugman warned that Trump’s approach to presidential power was increasingly unchecked, with little regard for the Constitution. He stated that instead of working within the framework of the law or seeking to amend it, Trump was pushing the limits of executive authority. “President Trump is testing how far he can ignore it,” Krugman wrote, emphasizing the danger posed by such actions.
A Call for Legal Clarity
Krugman concluded his op-ed with a dire warning about the future of US governance. He argued that if voters and legislators do not act to close the gaps in the laws governing presidential power, the country could continue down a path that threatens its democratic institutions. “The next president – of either party – may continue us down this path toward collapse,” he cautioned.