Janessa goldbeck Warns of Eroding Military Apolitical Tradition Under second Trump Term
A Marine veteran who advised on war-game scenarios of a presidential coup now finds her worst fears materializing as Donald Trump increasingly politicizes the military.
Janessa Goldbeck, chief executive of Vet voice Foundation, says it’s “surreal” to witness the scenarios she and others meticulously war-gamed now unfolding in real time. “It doesn’t feel good to say I told you so in this moment,” she admits, recalling the skepticism that greeted her institution’s 2023 documentary, War Game, which explored the possibility of a contested election and military intervention.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has deployed thousands of National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, New Orleans, and Washington D.C., sparking protests and raising concerns about the militarization of domestic affairs. Goldbeck, having reviewed the Project 2025 policy document, anticipated this escalation. Last year, Vet Voice Foundation proactively ran exercises with local officials, activists, and journalists to prepare for aggressive immigration enforcement under a second Trump administration. The organization has as become a crucial resource for state and local leaders navigating these unprecedented deployments.
“This year the vast majority of our work has been supporting litigation to halt or slow down national guard deployments,” Goldbeck, 40, explains. “We’re providing subject expert witnesses, retired generals, to help staff understand the footprint of these deployments and how to prepare, and training activist groups on the distinctions between the National Guard and ICE personnel.” The foundation is also advising governors and mayors on communication strategies to de-escalate tensions.
“It’s not American to conduct elections with troops in the streets and to intimidate voters. It’s very authoritarian.”
Goldbeck’s own journey to becoming a vocal defender of democratic norms is a testament to the diversity within the military. Raised in San Diego by “vegetarian pacifist Hindus,” she initially pursued activism focused on the darfur genocide after studying journalism and African studies at Northwestern University. Driven by a desire to understand the security forces operating alongside humanitarian workers, she made the surprising decision to join the Marine Corps at age 25.
Her family was initially “horrified” by her choice, a stark contrast to their acceptance of her sexual orientation. Goldbeck commissioned as a Marine Corps officer in 2012,serving seven years as a combat engineer while advocating for female and LGBTQ service members. She oversaw the integration of male and female candidates at West Coast boot camp before leaving the Corps in 2019, citing her mother’s illness and the election of Trump as key factors.She felt compelled to “push back” against what she perceived as a threat to the contry.
following a brief foray into politics, Goldbeck took the helm of Vet Voice foundation, which represents approximately 2 million veterans, military family members, and supporters. The foundation advocates for policies ranging from public lands protection to reproductive healthcare access for service members. Earlier this year, Goldbeck testified before the Senate regarding potential voter roll purges targeting veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Goldbeck is deeply concerned about the erosion of the military’s apolitical status, a concern amplified by the influence of figures like Pete Hegseth, whom she describes as “unequivocally the least qualified person who ever led the department of defense.” Hegseth’s public criticisms of “woke” culture and calls for stricter appearance standards – “No more beardos” – are, in Goldbeck’s view, detrimental to the professionalism of the armed forces. She is particularly incensed by Hegseth’s opposition to women in combat roles, a policy that was successfully challenged and repealed during her service. “To see this fight that has already been litigated…is so incredibly infuriating,” she reflects.
The deployments, she argues, represent a broader expansion of presidential power, including attempts to sideline Congress, gut the civil service, and weaponize the justice department. Goldbeck’s warning is stark: this administration is doing generational harm to the professionalism and apolitical nature of the military.
