Air Force Maj. Jason P. Watson holds a sign on the steps of the U.S. Capitol before being arrested by Capitol Police on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Washington. (Screenshot from YouTube)
An Air Force major who stood on the U.S. Capitol steps and called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump could face dismissal from the service and loss of his security clearance.
Maj. Jason P. Watson, 40, is under investigation by the service and restricted to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., according to Jessica Denson, founder of the Removal Coalition, which hosted the news conference where Watson spoke prior to his protest Wednesday. The group lobbies members of Congress to impeach Trump.
“Who I am is immaterial,” Watson said during the news conference. “In the grand scheme of things, I’m just a nobody. What matters far more than who I am is what I have to say and the price I’m willing to pay to say it.”
The 17-year logistics officer, dressed in his blue service uniform and flight cap, outlined the reasons he called for the impeachment of Trump and Vice President JD Vance, beginning with military involvement in Venezuela, Cuba and Iran.
Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, then escorted Watson to the Capitol steps, where the officer stood alone with a sign bearing the words “IMPEACH,” “CONVICT” and “REMOVE.” Capitol Police officers arrested him after Watson refused to comply with their requests to move.
“It is generally against the law for the public to demonstrate on the House Steps unless they are with a member of Congress,” according to a statement from the Capitol Police. There are other locations on the grounds where demonstrating is allowed.
In a video of his arrest, Watson calmly placed his sign on the ground and put his hands behind his back for the officers.
The civilian charges against him have since been dropped, but he could face punishment from the Air Force. The Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits political activity while in uniform.
Watson is under a written order not to speak with the press or post about this matter on social media, said Christopher Mutimer, an attorney for Watson, on Monday.
The investigation is reviewing four possible charges — contempt toward officials, failure to obey an order or regulation, conduct unbecoming of an officer and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline – Articles 88, 92, 133 and 134, respectively, Mutimer said. No charges have been formally preferred, and no court hearings are scheduled.
Anthony Kuhn, a managing partner at the law firm Tully Rinckey who specializes in military law and security clearance cases, said Monday these charges would be expected given Watson’s actions. The service could choose to hold him accountable in an administrative hearing, a court-martial or both.
“You can have an opinion, but they don’t want you holding your opinion out to be the opinion of the military branch,” he said.
Kuhn said it should be expected during each election cycle that large portions of the military did not vote for the winning candidate, but they can’t speak out.
“You still have to follow your orders. You still have to do your job. You’re required to do those things. And you have to respect the officers who are appointed above you all the way up through the commander in chief. So, you can’t put your uniform on and demonstrate against that individual,” he said.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said Thursday in a social media post that he was aware of the reports of Watson’s protest and reminded airmen of the laws and policies governing personal conduct, political participation and wearing the uniform.
“The Department takes allegations of misconduct seriously, including any that might undermine the nonpartisan nature of our military. Pursuant to a thorough investigation — which will proceed unimpeded — commanders will ensure appropriate disposition when holding service members accountable in accordance with military law and due process,” Meink posted on X.
In an administrative board of inquiry, a panel of officers would determine whether Watson should face discipline, including fines, reduction in rank or administrative separation from the Air Force, Kuhn said. These boards have a lower standard of proof than a court-martial.
In a court-martial, being convicted of contempt toward officials could lead to Watson’s dismissal from the service. For an officer, it’s somewhat akin to an enlisted member being dishonorably discharged. That charge could also result in up to a year in prison and forfeiture of pay.
The other charges could also carry confinement and fines as well, Kuhn said.
Regardless, Kuhn said that Watson will likely receive a notice to attempt to deny his security clearance because of guidelines regarding criminal and personal conduct. Losing clearance could also end Watson’s time in the military.
Watson graduated from the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colo., and entered active duty in May 2009, according to his official service record. He is currently assigned to Bydgoszcz, Poland as a staff officer.
Denson said Monday during a phone interview that Watson knew there was “enormous risk” associated with his planned protest and that he is in “good spirits.”
“He wanted to do something that underscored the urgency that Congress take action to remove this regime now,” she said.
