On Friday, Donald Trump will campaign alongside extremist Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is actively undermining our military by blocking hundreds of military promotions and nominations. Tuberville’s antics are not only impacting service members and military families, they’re also actively hindering our military readiness and national security — and Trump’s decision to embrace him with open arms is yet another example of putting politics before our troops.

Since February, Sen. Tuberville has held up more than 300 military promotions and nominations, turning what should be a standard procedural vote into a deadlock.

New York Times: “Senator Tommy Tuberville, a conservative from Alabama, has been single-handedly blocking hundreds of promotions for high-ranking generals and admirals since February, refusing to relent unless the Defense Department scraps a policy — instituted after the Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to abortion last year — offering time off and travel reimbursement to service members who need to go out of state for abortions.”

Associated Press:  “Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville is waging an unprecedented campaign to try to change Pentagon abortion policy by holding up hundreds of military nominations and promotions, forcing less experienced leaders into top jobs and raising concerns at the Pentagon about military readiness.”

Tuberville’s blockade of these promotions is more than just a stunt, it’s a threat to our military readiness and our national security.

CBS News: “GOP Sen. Tuberville’s hold on nominations could cause armed forces to ‘lose talent,’ nominee for top military officer says”

CNN: “Republican block leaves major branch of US military without a confirmed leader for first time in over a century”

Washington Post: “Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said a Republican senator’s delay of the quick approval of nearly 200 military promotions poses a ‘clear risk’ to the nation’s military readiness and directly affects the lives of service members’ families.”

Tuberville’s stunts have been denounced on both sides of the aisle, including by top Republican leadership.

Politico: “The failed attempts at finding a solution by fellow Republicans indicate that Tuberville won’t budge despite mounting pressure from allies and administration officials.”

Sen. Mitch McConnell: “No, I don’t support putting a hold on military nominations. I don’t support that. As to why, you need to ask Sen. Tuberville.”

Trump is the latest MAGA Republican running for president to embrace Tuberville and his attacks on military readiness.

Alabama Today: “U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville to introduce President Donald Trump in Montgomery on Friday”

Politico: “DeSantis backs Tuberville on military holds, denounces Pentagon abortion policy”