Former President Donald Trump is using a famous scene from the 1987 film “Full Metal Jacket” to push his vision of a tough military and criticize the Biden administration’s support for LGBTQ+ rights. The scene features R. Lee Ermey as Marine Gunnery Sgt. Hartman, known for his harsh and racist treatment of recruits. Clips from the movie are juxtaposed with images of LGBTQ+ supporters, drag performers, and people advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, labeled as “NOW” and “THE BIDEN HARRIS MILITARY.” The video aims to show Trump’s goal of making the military great again, drawing applause from his supporters at rallies.
Trump has been vocal about his opposition to transgender rights, including their participation in sports and the use of gender pronouns, often receiving strong cheers from his supporters for his stance. At a recent rally in Wisconsin, Trump praised Ermey’s performance in “Full Metal Jacket,” suggesting he deserved an Academy Award for his role as a drill sergeant before becoming an actor. The use of the movie to illustrate Trump’s version of a strong military, despite the film’s anti-war message, has sparked controversy and criticism from some of the film’s cast members.
Vivian Kubrick, daughter of the late filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, defended Trump’s use of “Full Metal Jacket” footage, stating that her father would have supported the message of building a powerful military. She argued that the film’s portrayal of boot camp aligns with the need for a strong military in a complex world. On the other hand, Matthew Modine, who played Private Joker in the film, condemned Trump’s interpretation of the movie as propaganda, calling it homophobic and manipulative. The differing opinions from those involved in the film highlight the divisive nature of Trump’s messaging and tactics.
Despite the film’s Vietnam War context and Trump’s deferment from military service, his campaign has embraced the imagery of the tough drill sergeant to appeal to his base and illustrate his vision for the military. The use of Ermey’s character and the juxtaposition of LGBTQ+ support in the video serve as a reflection of Trump’s views on traditional masculinity and his opposition to progressive ideals in the military. The video’s message and imagery have stirred debate about the role of entertainment in politics and the manipulation of film content for political gain.
As Trump continues to use provocative and divisive tactics to rally his supporters and criticize the Biden administration, his reliance on Hollywood imagery and iconic characters like Gunnery Sgt. Hartman speaks to his strategic approach to messaging and branding. By invoking a character known for his harshness and discipline, Trump aims to appeal to his base and reinforce his image as a strong and authoritative leader. However, the backlash from some involved in the film and critics underscores the challenge of using entertainment content for political purposes and the impact it can have on public discourse and perception of political figures.
