US Air Force Major Jason Watson detained following Trump impeachment calls

U.S. Air Force Major Jason Watson has been ordered into pretrial confinement following his recent arrest at the U.S. Capitol for calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. Watson, who was arrested while in full uniform, has expressed that his actions were intended to inspire others to take a stand against what he described as the president’s “flagrant” violations of the Constitution and “rampant corruption.”

Following an exclusive interview with CNN in which Watson reiterated his calls for impeachment, he was detained again on August 18, 2026. An Air Force spokesperson stated that the confinement is based on probable cause regarding allegations of continued misconduct. Watson is currently being held at a county facility in Maryland on a military hold.

While the specific details of the alleged misconduct remain unclear, Watson’s attorney suggested that the major's recent public criticisms of the president may have influenced the decision. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, active-duty service members face legal consequences for contemptuous speech directed at the president.