Rob Schneider’s lengthy X post didn’t go down well (Picture: Getty Images)
Rob Schneider has built a career on playing loud, daft characters who rarely know when to stop talking. It turns out that some believe his distinctive on-screen persona may well, at times, apply to his personal life too.
The 62-year-old comedian is currently facing backlash after sharing his controversial views on US military service.
Best known for films like The Waterboy and Grown Ups, Schneider took to X over the weekend calling for the return of the US military draft, something that was scrapped more than five decades ago.
In a lengthy post, he made his position clear from the start. ‘We must once again recommit ourselves to one nation under god, indivisible. Therefore, we must restore the military draft for our nation’s young people,’ he wrote.
If US law was signed off on by the man from Muppets from Space, 18 year-old Americans would be force to join the military (Picture: Getty Images)
The comic actor went further by outlining how exactly it should all work: ‘Each and every American, at eighteen years of age, must serve two years of military service. They could also choose to serve part of that time overseas or in country in a volunteer capacity.’
Schneider framed the idea as a way of reinforcing national values. ‘Being a citizen of the United States gives us unparalleled freedoms and opportunities that are the envy of the world. However, these freedoms that we cherish do not come without a cost.’
The Down Periscope star claimed that shared service could well end up uniting people. ‘By protecting and preserving these freedoms, young people, regardless of race, creed or religion will be united in service to their country and just as importantly, to each other.
‘Many nations around the world require their young citizens to serve their country. Until recently, our nation did as well.’
It’s a pretty bold stance for someone who’s never served in any kind of military outfit himself.
Schneider’s been criticised for having never worn the uniform, but that’s somewhat unfair – he turned up in US Army fatigues for an appearance on Jay Leno back in 2004 (Picture: Getty Images)
The reaction to the San Francisco-born star’s idea was immediate, and not exactly warmly received. With the US currently involved in a conflict with Iran that has killed 13 American service members and wounded more than 300, the timing raised a few eyebrows.
Many folk on X in the replies weren’t in the mood for big ideas about compulsory service, especially from someone who hasn’t done it himself.
Jex 36 didn’t hold back. ‘This is an interesting take for a man who never spent a single day in uniform within our armed forces. Rules for thee but not for me, Rob? How many of YOUR kids have enlisted? F*** off.’
Sliced Rice added: ‘Worst take I’ve seen in a long time. The draft is the opposite of freedom and only needed in a country that abuses its power so egregiously that its people refuse to fight in its immoral wars.’
When he’s not commenting on US military recruitment strategy, Rob can sometimes be found singing on television while dressed as a giant jewellery-wearing hamster (Picture: Getty Images)
Schneider later issued a follow-up statement, clarifying his position. In it, he suggested a draft could actually discourage reckless wars. The idea being that leaders might think twice if everyone is affected.
‘Congress would think long and hard before sending American troops into another faraway war that isn’t vital to our national survival. No more cavalier decisions. No more “other people’s kids” dying while their own kids stay safe at Ivy League schools or in Beverly Hills.’
The comedian, who reportedly describes himself as an independent wholeans conservative, is a long-time supporter of Donald Trump.
Schneider’s daughter, the acclaimed country singer Elle King, doesn’t see eye to eye with her dad on many political topics – and not just because she often wears shades (Picture: Getty Images)
His personal life has also drawn attention in the wake of the controversy. He has three children, including Elle King, who has spoken publicly about their somewhat strained relationship.
‘I disagree with a lot of the things that he says,’ King said on the Dumb Blonde podcast, describing him as an absent father who sent her to fat camp as a child.
Schneider later addressed those comments during an appearance on another podcast, this time Tucker Carlson’s. ‘I wish I was the father in my 20s that you needed. I clearly wasn’t, and I hope you can forgive me for my shortcomings,’ he said.
President Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt has refused to rule out the idea of the military draft (Picture: Getty Images)
The wider political backdrop hasn’t exactly helped cool things down much for the former Saturday Night Live star. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was recently asked about the possibility of reinstating the draft.
Speaking on Fox News, she said: ‘I know a lot of politicians like to do that quickly, but the president as commander in chief wants to continue to assess the success of this military operation. It’s not part of the current plan right now, but the president, again, wisely keeps his options on the table.’
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