NBA champion and basketball Hall of Famer Dwight Howard has sparked controversy after claiming that everyone born in America should be subjected to mandatory military service.
In an impromptu post to his 5.2 million X followers at the weekend, Howard floated the idea that President Trump should follow the likes of South Korea and Israel and force Americans to defend their country – but wasn’t met with a wholly positive response.
In his initial tweet, the ex-Lakers star wrote: ‘Random. I honestly feel like the president should make one year of service mandatory for everyone born in America.
‘A lot of other countries do it. And I think it would help with discipline and structure. I’m curious what yall think would this help America or nah.’
One fan offered an immediate tweak to the suggestion, replying: ‘I think one year of customer service of any type (retail, serving, bartending, phones, etc) would help this country all understand each other and maybe even get along better.’
But Howard disagreed, and pushed on with his original plan. ‘I think military service would be better,’ he responded. ‘Learn how to defend yourself. Shoot and handle guns properly. The bond and respect for each other would go up.’
Dwight Howard left fans split after making a bold claim about mandatory military service
Donald Trump shakes hands with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday – whose country still has mandatory military service
NBA legend Howard’s post quickly racked up nearly 2 million views and left fans very split
Many countries around the world still have conscription, including the likes of Iran, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Ukraine and Denmark, but the US shifted to an all-volunteer military in 1973 at the end of the Korean and Vietnam war era.
Howard did have some positive responses to his suggestion, with one writing: ‘Affirm, give boys & girls 3 months boot camp, survival training, military 101, and give them basic jobs.’
Another added: ‘It could do a lot of good if designed thoughtfully.’
Many, though, were strongly against it, with some highlighting Howard’s status as a millionaire former athlete, claiming he is out of touch with reality.
The ex-Lakers star poses for a photo with Amy Luciani, months after she filed for divorce
Howard repeatedly hit back at those who disagreed with his controversial opinion on
‘Of course he’s saying this as a 40-year-old man who wouldn’t have to do a year,’ one joked, while another added: ‘It always seems kind of gross though for people who aren’t serving to force other people to do so.’
Howard does not have any connection to the military, having been drafted to the NBA straight out of high school after graduating from Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy.
He is reported to have earned just shy of $250 million during his NBA career, which saw him win a ring with the Lakers in 2020.
Nowadays, he remains in the public eye having competed on Dancing With The Stars in 2023, while he also currently hosts a podcast titled Above The Rim.
