TJ Madsen is among the founding members of the New Herald Tribune and chairs the editorial board. He worked for national syndicated newspapers in Newark, Philadelphia, and Baltimore before moving to the midwest.
March 9 , 2026
WASHINGTON — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged Monday that the possibility of reinstating a U.S. military draft remains “on the table” as the United States continues military operations against Iran, while also outlining a controversial proposal that would allow drafted individuals to indefinitely defer service by paying a $1 million fee.
Leavitt’s comments came after several days of public criticism from former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has sharply opposed the idea of conscription amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran in late February as part of a campaign described by the White House as aimed at neutralizing Iran’s military capabilities. Officials have reported several American casualties, and the administration has not ruled out further escalation.
At a briefing Monday, Leavitt reiterated that no draft has been authorized but said officials are discussing contingency options.
“We are not implementing a draft at this time,” Leavitt said. “However, the president believes in maintaining every option available to the commander-in-chief should circumstances require additional manpower.”
Pressed by reporters about criticism from Greene and other Republicans, Leavitt said the administration had considered ways to make any potential draft “flexible and fair.” She then described what she called a “voluntary deferment provision.”
“Under the framework being discussed, individuals selected for service would have the option to defer their service indefinitely by paying a $1 million national security contribution,” Leavitt said. “Those funds would go directly toward supporting troops and military families.”
The proposal immediately drew criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Greene, who has repeatedly condemned the idea of a draft, had earlier argued that Republicans had campaigned against new foreign wars and conscription. In social media posts, she declared that there should be “NO DRAFT AND NO BOOTS ON THE GROUND.”
Democratic lawmakers criticized the idea, describing it as a “pay-to-not-play” mechanism that would disproportionately affect lower-income Americans. Several said they would introduce legislation prohibiting any such exemption.
The United States has not used conscription since the Vietnam War era, though men aged 18 to 25 are still required to register with the Selective Service in case a draft is reinstated.
Asked whether the plan had been formally presented to President Donald Trump, Leavitt said it remained “one of several ideas under discussion” and emphasized that no decision had been made.
“Our priority,” she said, “is ensuring that the United States has the personnel and resources necessary to defend the country while maintaining a system that the American people view as just.”
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