“I’m not saying the military’s in love with me — the soldiers are, the top people in the Pentagon probably aren’t because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy,” Trump told reporters at a White House news conference…

Some have expressed concern that the President’s Monday accusations against the military’s top brass could have a corrosive effect.

“The President’s comments about the motivations of military leaders not only demeans their service and that of those they lead; he lends credence to the very disdain and thoughtlessness he tries to deny,” retired US Navy Rear Admiral and CNN analyst John Kirby said…

Trump has also repeatedly touted boosting the defense budget as one of his administration’s major accomplishments, citing it as evidence of his support for the military, spending that has also benefited defense contractors.