...
By Marni Rose McFall
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Matt Bernstein, host of the popular podcast A Bit Fruity, has shared a post to Instagram in which he mentioned a group of Republicans who have voiced support for the conflict in Iran, and questioned if their children would go to war.
His post joined a growing conversation online from people questioning if politicians supporting the war would see their own children go into battle, as the political and ethical conversation about the Middle East conflict continues to evolve.
As of publication time, Bernstein’s post had been liked on Instagram more than 300,000 times.
Read More on News
Newsweek has contacted Bernstein and a number of Republicans via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The post comes shortly after widespread calls circulated online for President Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump, to be drafted into the war effort. The tag #sendbarron trended on X, and a website encouraging the drafting of the 19-year-old was set up online.
Tensions are high following the launch of military action against the Iranian military and strategic targets in an action dubbed Operation Epic Fury.
On Saturday, the president announced that the U.S. had begun “major combat operations,” urging Iranians to “take over your government.” The military campaign is continuing to accelerate, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warning that American forces will deliver “death and destruction all day long.”
The fifth day of the U.S.-Israeli assault has pushed the region into a deeper and more volatile phase of the conflict, and conversations about the war are continuing to play out online.
...
What To Know
Bernstein's post includes a reference to a controversial remark the president made earlier in the week. Shortly after the U.S. Central Command said that four American service members had been killed and four others seriously injured, Trump said, “Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is,” adding that he “Will do everything possible where that won't be the case," and promising that the deaths of soldiers will be "avenged.”
The first slide of Bernstein’s post reads “donald trump says more troops will 'likely' die in this war because 'that’s the way it is.' donald trump’s son is 19. will barron trump go to war?”
In the slides that follow, Bernstein posed the same question for other Republicans who have voiced support for the war.
Bernstein's post does not refer to a military draft, and rather seems to focus on whether these individuals would go to war of their own accord.
The U.S. has not had a military draft since 1973, and it would need authorization from Congress and the president.
Almost all men aged between 18 and 25 living in the U.S. are required to register for selective service, though the service itself is voluntary.
Barron, though, may be exempt from the military due to his height. At 6 feet 9 inches, he stands above the U.S. Army’s maximum height requirement of 6 feet 8 inches.
Trump has long been criticized for his medical deferment from the Vietnam War draft, which he attributed to bone spurs in his heels.
What People Are Saying
Karla Kim, a creator with over 20,000 followers comment on Matt Bernstein’s Instagram post in a response viewed over 30,000 times: “Rich men sending poor men to kill other poor men to return resources for the rich men to consume.”
The social media user @sesium_hightower responded in a comment liked over 20,000 times: “We all know they won't, only the poor and expendable will."
What Happens Next
Americans have been strongly advised to evacuate from many Middle Eastern countries as the conflict continues to intensify.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines