Some Republican congressmen came out in defense of Carlson. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) tweeted that the military should not “Being used as a political weapon”, and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) demanded a meeting with the Marine Corps Commander to address the “systematic public attacks” against the conservative commentator.
So, on Monday, The Hill posted a footage Michael San Nicolas – the Democratic House delegate representing Guam – escorting National Guard troops from US island territory to the Capitol office of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month, Greene falsely identified Guam as a foreign country, comparing it to China, Russia and nations in the Middle East. The comments prompted San Nicolas to say that he would contact her office.
The deputy was not present when troops from the territory arrived at her place of work on Monday, according to the video of the episode, which showed cordial exchanges between Greene’s legislative director, service members and San Nicolas – who seemed be carrying a basket of treats.
On Tuesday, San Nicolas argued that the Republicans’ criticisms of the visit were “unfounded” and denied “using the military for political purposes”.
“I was taking my guards on a tour of the Capitol and we stopped at the offices of several members and delivered some gifts,” San Nicolas told CNN. “Cookies should never be considered a political medium, nor should our military. But goodwill is absolutely something that we want to extend from Guam to everyone ”.
A statement on Tuesday from Major General Esther Aguigui, an assistant general in the Guam National Guard, also suggested that troops would not be disciplined for their role in the incident.
“We appreciate Congressman San Nicolas ‘efforts to represent our culture of Inafa’ Maolek, or to bring harmony, practiced here in Guam,” said Aguigui in a statement. “We also thank Congresswoman Greene for ultimately helping to raise awareness about the Guamese as citizens of the United States and our rich tradition of service and sacrifice for our nation.
“As a non-partisan entity, the Guam National Guard is here to continue this legacy of supporting and defending the United States Constitution and the freedoms it provides,” she said.
However, some civilian-military experts have contested online the demonstration of seemingly political strength outside Greene’s office. Jim Golby, senior researcher at the Clements Center for National Security at the University of Texas at Austin, tweeted Monday it was “A disgusting and politicized use of National Guard personnel” by San Nicolas “for a party publicity stunt”.