Trump pardons former officer court-martialed for disobeying COVID-19 mandates

President Donald Trump on Thursday pardoned a former Army officer who was court-martialed for disobeying COVID-19 mandates under the Biden administration.

The US Army discharged Lt. Mark Bashaw (ret.) in 2022 after he refused to wear masks, work remotely, take the experimental mRNA shots, or submit to regular COVID-19 testing. Bashaw was subjected to a court martial, where a military judge found him guilty. That earned him a criminal record, which has been now been expunged by Trump’s pardon.

“I just received a Presidential Pardon from President Donald J. Trump. I am humbled, grateful, and ready to continue fighting for truth and justice in this great nation. Thank you, Mr. President @realDonaldTrump and to your incredible team,” Bashaw posted to X on Thursday, adding: “Time for accountability! #TheFlipSide.”

Bashaw was the first service member to be court-martialed for non-compliance with COVID-19 mandates—or as he put it, because he “refused to participate with the lies.” Eugene Vindman, who was the lead prosecutor against Bashaw, declared victory at the time.

“Proud of the prosecution team at Aberdeen Proving Ground,” Vindman crowed. “Secured a first in the nation conviction at court-martial of a lieutenant who failed to obey lawful orders re COVID mitigation measures. Guilty on all 3 counts. #orderanddiscipline.”

Trump DoD invites unvaccinated soliders back

Bashaw was one of over 8,000 service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 shot. Only 43 of those service members re-enlisted under the Biden administration, contributing to the US Armed Forces' shrinkage to their smallest size since World War II. The mandate may also be why the number of service members and veterans who would recommend joining the military dropped significantly between 2019 and 2021.

Not only were unvaccinated soldiers discharged, but they were also forced to repay their signing bonuses. One service member had to sell 60 of his vacation days to repay most of his $7,000 signing bonus to the US Army after he was fired for refusing the COVID injections.

Recruitment has begun surging again under the Trump administration, however. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has invited unvaccinated service members to re-enlist, promising them backpay and an apology from the US government. According to The Hill, only about 100 of the discharged unvaccinated service members re-enlisted so far, and it is unclear if Bashaw will seek to rejoin.

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