Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Oct 3: Democratic Representative Madeleine Dean confronted House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday over President Donald Trump’s recent address to senior military officials at Quantico, Virginia, warning that the former president’s behaviour could send alarming signals to allies and embolden adversaries.

“The president is unhinged. He is unwell,” Dean, representing Pennsylvania’s 4th Congressional District, said in front of cameras, urging Johnson to respond. Johnson, a Texas Republican, replied, “A lot of folks on your side are, too. I don't control him.”

Dean described Trump’s performance before the generals as “so dangerous,” adding, “Our allies are looking elsewhere. Our enemies are laughing. I serve on Foreign Affairs and Appropriations. This is a collision of those two things.” Johnson quipped in response, “I didn't see it.”

The remarks follow Trump’s 72-minute address at Quantico Marine Corps Base on Tuesday. While he opened by praising the military and claiming the US was “reawakening the warrior spirit,” the speech quickly took a political tone, diverging from the usual practice of avoiding domestic politics when speaking to troops.

The audience’s unusually long silence prompted Trump to remark, “I never walked into a room so silent before. If you want to applaud, you applaud. You can do anything you want. If you don’t like what I’m saying, you can leave the room. But, there goes your rank and there goes your future.”

Prior to the speech, Trump had told reporters that he planned to meet top generals, admirals, and military leaders, adding that he would fire anyone he disliked during the meetings.