STUTTGART, Germany — U.S. Air Forces Europe said troops holding “Make America Great Again” hats during President Donald Trump’s visit Thursday to Ramstein Air Base were not in violation of military rules that prohibit taking part in partisan activities while in uniform.
“There is no rule against Airmen bringing personal items to be signed by the president,” USAFE said in a statement.
More than 200 airmen greeted Trump on Thursday at a Ramstein Air Base aircraft hangar, where the president and first lady Melania Trump were greeted with cheers.
Trump posed for photos, shook hands and signed autographs with airmen during a scene that resembled photo-op visits of former commanders-in-chief in years past. But the public display by some uniformed troops, who held red “Make America Great Again” hats synonymous with Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, prompted widespread criticism on social media. An Air Force captain carrying a Trump banner also was scrutinized.
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