内容摘要：Unionized workers at the Barnes & Nobles store in Manhattan’s Union Square have made access to chairs and the

Unionized workers at the Barnes & Nobles store in Manhattan’s Union Square have made access to chairs and the

U.S. military recruitment hasfollowing a downturn caused primarily by the COVID-19 pandemic, low unemployment and stiff competition from the private sector.

Posts circulating widely on social media give President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth credit for this increase, a claim that has been pushed by the president and others in his administration.shows the uptick began well before Trump’s reelection in November and experts point to actions taken by the military during the Biden administration as key reasons for the increase.Here’s a look at the facts.

CLAIM: President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are causing military recruitment numbers to skyrocket.THE FACTS: This is an overstatement and is missing context. Recruitment numbers for all military branches have been on the rise for the last few years, according to Defense Department data. Experts cite factors such as improving recruitment strategies, increased bonuses and new prep courses that predated the 2024 presidential election as factors in the change, although they acknowledge Trump’s election could have also played a role.

“There may be some American teenagers or their parents, more likely, who were more comfortable joining the military in a Republican administration than a Democratic administration,” said Katherine Kuzminski, director of studies at the independent Washington think tank Center for a New American Security and an expert on military recruitment. “But I don’t think that alone explains why we’ve seen an increase lately.”

Military enlistment was 12.5% higher inCrystal Palace players celebrate after the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland stands dejected after the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)Manchester City’s Erling Haaland stands dejected after the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson celebrates after the English FA Cup final soccer match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson celebrates after the English FA Cup final soccer match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)