An Army drill sergeant at Fort Benning, Ga., posted a video on social media of soldiers being hazed under a MAGA flag. Service officials said Wednesday, July 16, 2025, that the incident is under investigation as a violation of regulations prohibiting political activity in uniform and on federal property. (U.S. Army)

WASHINGTON — The Army has launched an investigation after a drill sergeant posted a video on social media of soldiers being hazed under a MAGA flag, which is a violation of regulations prohibiting political activity in uniform and on federal property, the service said.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Mitchell on Friday uploaded a video on TikTok showing a group of trainees performing pushups and burpees in full body armor under a banner that read, “This Is Ultra MAGA Country.” The video was later deleted. But Mitchell posted a second video showing the same soldiers exercising in the same location but with the flag removed, according to a Military.com report.

“The U.S. Army is an apolitical organization,” Fort Benning spokesperson Joe Cole said Wednesday in a statement. “Displaying partisan political materials in government facilities, including training areas, is prohibited under Army regulation. We will investigate the matter and address it in accordance with established policies to ensure compliance with standards of conduct and to maintain an environment free from political influence.”

Cole said he has seen the reporting of the issue but couldn’t provide more details until the investigation is complete.

Mitchell serves as an infantry drill sergeant with B Company, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Training Brigade at Fort Benning, Ga.

The phrase MAGA refers to President Donald Trump’s slogan of “Make America Great Again,” which is used on merchandise such as flags and hats.

The incident comes after Trump’s event last month at Fort Bragg, N.C., before the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration. During the president’s speech, he announced restoring the names of seven Army bases and called out his political rivals, which prompted boos and responses from soldiers. Right outside the security checkpoint for the event — but still on the base — two stands were selling Trump political hats, T-shirts and other paraphernalia.

“We don’t do politics. We do warfighting on the behalf of the American people to keep everybody safe,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday at a Turning Point USA event, a right-wing conference geared toward young Republicans.