They talk tough — from the safety of a studio or a Senate chamber.
America’s most aggressive voices for military action often have one thing in common: they never wore the uniform.
From TV personalities to politicians, these war hawks are quick to call for invasions, bombings, and boots on the ground — just not their own.
That’s also true now, as tensions escalate in between Iran and Israel while politicians and talking heads pressure President Trump to take action. In fact, according to the prediction market Polymarket, there’s a 65% chance that the U.S. will take military action against Iran before July
Here’s a look at 10 of the loudest advocates for war who never served a day in combat.
Ben Shapiro
The conservative commentator routinely pushes for military action in the Middle East and beyond. Shapiro supported the Iraq War and has argued for strikes on Iran — all while admitting he didn’t serve, once saying military life “wasn’t for me.”
Bill Kristol
A leading architect of the Iraq War and co-founder of The Weekly Standard, Kristol was one of the most persistent voices pushing for the 2003 invasion. He avoided military service during Vietnam and has never served in uniform.
Dick Cheney
The former vice president received five draft deferments during the Vietnam War but was the driving force behind the Bush administration’s decision to invade Iraq in 2003. His role in the war’s buildup is still deeply controversial.
Donald Trump
Despite claiming bone spurs kept him from serving in Vietnam, Trump has often threatened military force — from “fire and fury” against North Korea to advocating the looting of Iraqi oil. His aggressive rhetoric rarely comes with strategic clarity.
John Bolton
As National Security Advisor, Bolton pushed for war with Iran, regime change in Venezuela, and a hardline approach to North Korea. He avoided Vietnam by joining the Maryland National Guard, later writing that he had no desire to die in a “foreign rice paddy.”
Lindsey Graham
The South Carolina senator is a relentless advocate for U.S. military action. Though he served in the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps (as a lawyer), he never saw combat. Still, he’s pushed for boots on the ground in nearly every major conflict.
Mark Levin
The radio host and Fox News personality frequently rails against “weakness” and demands military escalation — especially in the Middle East. He never served, but that hasn’t stopped him from accusing others of cowardice for opposing war.
Newt Gingrich
Gingrich avoided the draft during Vietnam and never served, yet he’s repeatedly pushed for military action abroad. He supported the Iraq War and has called for a much more aggressive stance toward China and Iran.
Sean Hannity
Hannity supported the Iraq invasion, called for bombing Iran, and has often mocked diplomatic efforts as weakness. He never enlisted — even as he praises military action from the comfort of his studio.
