The U.S. Marine Corps has publicly distanced itself from former Marine and Florida congressional candidate William Upham after he posted a video on social media describing President Donald Trump as the “Antichrist” and calling for his assassination. Military officials responded by stating that the remarks do not reflect the values of the Marine Corps and condemned the statements.
Incident
William Upham is a write-in candidate seeking to represent Florida’s 5th Congressional District. His campaign highlights his military service and his commitment to “God and country.” Upham served as a Marine Corps first lieutenant before being medically discharged. He later worked as a prosecutor in Pensacola and Jacksonville before launching his congressional campaign.
In a six-minute video shared on his X account, Upham said he entered the race to reform the political system, encourage bipartisan cooperation, strengthen opportunities for working Americans, and reduce political division. During the video, he claimed the United States was facing a spiritual crisis and referred to President Donald Trump as the “Antichrist.”
Upham also stated that Trump was a “false Messiah” and said “he must be killed.” The statement prompted immediate criticism from military leaders and public officials.
Marine Corps Response
The Marine Corps responded through an official social media statement, confirming that Upham had been medically discharged on May 30, 2025.
According to the statement, Upham’s comments are inconsistent with the oath he once took and do not align with the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao also addressed the issue, writing on social media that Upham is no longer a Marine and does not represent the service’s values or ethos.
Video Content
During the video, Upham referenced several Bible passages and argued that the United States is engaged in a spiritual conflict between good and evil. He said the events described in the Book of Revelation are taking place today and described America as “Babylon,” claiming the nation had been condemned because of widespread sin.
He also referred to an AI-generated image previously shared by Trump that portrayed him as Jesus. Trump later said he believed the image depicted a doctor rather than a religious figure and apologized for the confusion.
Military Rules
Active-duty members of the U.S. military are subject to speech restrictions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Former and retired service members generally have broader First Amendment protections. However, military regulations allow for disciplinary action in certain situations involving retired personnel, depending on the circumstances.
The Marine Corps’ public statement emphasized that Upham’s personal views should not be associated with the institution.
Political Context
Upham is challenging five-term Republican Representative John Rutherford in Florida’s 5th Congressional District. Rutherford is considered the leading candidate in the Republican primary, and the Cook Political Report rates the district as solidly Republican.
The controversy surrounding Upham’s remarks has drawn attention to his campaign and prompted responses from military leadership rather than focusing on his policy platform.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidate | William Upham |
| Office Sought | Florida’s 5th Congressional District |
| Political Party | Republican (Write-in candidate) |
| Main Issue | Called Trump the “Antichrist” and urged his assassination |
| Marine Corps Response | Publicly distanced itself and condemned the remarks |
| Navy Response | Acting Secretary Hung Cao criticized the statements |
| Opponent | Rep. John Rutherford |
| District Rating | Solid Republican |
The remarks made by William Upham have been widely condemned by senior military officials because they included a call for violence against the president. The Marine Corps and the Acting Navy Secretary both stated that Upham’s comments do not represent the values of military service. As the election campaign continues, the incident is expected to remain a significant part of the public discussion surrounding his candidacy.
FAQs
Who is William Upham?
A former Marine running for Congress in Florida.
Why did the Marine Corps respond?
It condemned his public statements.
What did Upham say in the video?
He referred to Trump as the ‘Antichrist’.
Who else criticized Upham?
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao.
Who is Upham challenging?
Rep. John Rutherford in Florida.
