Actor and comedian Rob Schneider issued a public call for the reinstatement of the military draft on Sunday, March 29, 2026, as the United States military engagement with Iran enters a critical new phase.
Schneider shared his views via a statement on social media, arguing that the privileges of American citizenship require a shared burden of national defense in the current geopolitical climate.
"Being a citizen of the United States gives us unparalleled Freedoms and opportunities that are the envy of the world," Schneider stated in his post.
He followed this by asserting that "these Freedoms that we cherish do not come without a cost," explicitly noting that the nation "must restore the military draft for our nation’s young people."
The remarks come as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to navigate a complex conflict with Iran that began following surprise airstrikes in late February.
The war, now in its fifth week, has seen a significant increase in U.S. military assets deployed to the Middle East, with the Pentagon reportedly preparing for potential ground operations.
While the Selective Service System remains in place for registration, the United States has not utilized a mandatory draft since 1973, following the conclusion of the Vietnam War.
The ongoing conflict has prompted a wide-ranging national debate regarding troop levels, recruitment shortages, and the long-term sustainability of an all-volunteer force during a major regional war.
Schneider, known for his long career in film and television, has become an increasingly vocal participant in political and social discourse over the last several years.
The White House has not yet issued a formal response to Schneider’s comments regarding conscription.
President Donald Trump has previously emphasized the strength of current volunteer enrollment figures while maintaining a firm stance on military readiness and national defense.
Legislators on Capitol Hill remain significantly divided on the issue of conscription, with most representatives maintaining that a draft should remain a measure of last resort.
Public reaction to Schneider’s statement was immediate and polarized across social media platforms, reflecting broader national tensions regarding the human and economic costs of the conflict.
Domestic gas prices and economic unease have contributed to a volatile political environment as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Schneider’s advocacy adds a high-profile voice to a small but growing faction of public figures suggesting that mandatory service could bolster national security and civic unity during wartime.