The U.S. military is moving quickly to discipline troops over social media posts tied to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, enforcing a strict "zero-tolerance" policy against those perceived as celebrating his death, officials confirmed. The Pentagon has not disclosed how many service members have been punished, but one official told Reuters the number is likely in the dozens. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who personally knew Kirk, ordered the crackdown.

Kirk, 31, a prominent conservative commentator and ally of former President Donald Trump, was fatally shot during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University last week. Though he held no official government or military role, officials note that troops have fewer free speech protections than civilians and can face discipline if their remarks are deemed to undermine “good order and discipline” under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. “We will not tolerate anyone mocking or celebrating the assassination of a fellow American,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell wrote on X, echoing Hegseth. “It’s a violation of the oath, conduct unbecoming, and incompatible with military service.”

Trump has also directed that the Department of Defense be renamed the “Department of War,” a change requiring congressional approval. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps did not respond to Reuters’ questions about disciplinary cases. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed that commanders are already taking administrative and disciplinary action where necessary. According to three U.S. officials, punishments so far have included removing service members from posts and issuing reprimands. While no one has yet been discharged from the military, that option has not been ruled out.

Legal experts point out that troops have limited protections under military law. Article 88 of the UCMJ explicitly bans “contemptuous words” directed at the president, defense secretary, Congress, and other senior leaders. Air Force undersecretary Matthew Lohmeier announced plans to prosecute and potentially remove a senior master sergeant in Florida for comments made about both Kirk and Trump, and said the individual’s chain of command may also be investigated.

“Anyone guilty of this kind of behavior will not remain in uniform,” Lohmeier wrote on X. Critics warn that the crackdown risks creating a “chilling effect,” discouraging even permissible speech by service members who fear retaliation. Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force lawyer now teaching at Southwestern Law School, said one active-duty member told her they deleted 20 years of social media posts to avoid potential repercussions. “The Pentagon is essentially telling people they cannot even think certain thoughts,” she said, warning that many will feel silenced under threat of punishment. One official admitted the policy is having a chilling effect but argued that troops should be careful about what they post publicly, especially in today’s polarized political environment. “Posting hot takes while openly identifiable as DoD personnel is just dumb,” the official added.