Washington, DC — A decorated Air Force major has reportedly spent nearly two months in round-the-clock solitary confinement while awaiting a rare military court-martial stemming from his public calls for President Donald Trump’s impeachment.
Maj. Jason Watson, a 17-year Air Force veteran, was first arrested after appearing outside the U.S. Capitol in uniform with a sign reading “Impeach. Convict. Remove.” He later appeared on CNN and sharply criticized Trump, knowing active-duty service members face stricter limits on political activity and public criticism of senior officials than civilians.
Watson was detained the day after that CNN interview again and has remained in pretrial confinement since August. His attorney, Christopher Mutimer, said Watson is alone 24 hours a day, including during meals and exercise. CNN described the charges as exceptionally rare, citing only two previous convictions under the relevant contempt provision since the Uniform Code of Military Justice took effect in 1951.
The Air Force has charged Watson under provisions covering contempt toward officials, disobeying orders, and conduct unbecoming an officer. He faces a general court-martial, possible imprisonment, dismissal from the military and loss of benefits.
The Pentagon maintains that Watson is presumed innocent and entitled to due process, but his continued isolation before trial and the unusual severity of the prosecution have intensified questions about whether the military is using its disciplinary system too aggressively against an officer who publicly opposed the president.
No trial date has been announced.
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