I’m a U.S. Army veteran and a father. I’ve fought overseas, and I’ve fought for my family here at home — but nothing prepared me for the silent war happening inside our own country.

Child Protective Services is removing children from homes without a warrant, without a lawyer, and without clear evidence. In fact, they don’t even need real proof. Because CPS operates in civil court, the burden of proof is far lower than in criminal cases. A child can be taken based on “51% belief” — not hard evidence, not facts, just one person’s opinion that something might be wrong.

That’s not justice. That’s a loophole big enough to break families through.

There are no bodycams. No mandatory recordings. No guaranteed legal representation. Most parents walk into these hearings already set up to lose, especially if they’re poor, disabled, struggling, or unaware of their rights.

I’ve seen families lose everything while CPS workers walked away with clipboards.

They didn’t need proof. They didn’t even have to tell the truth.

The numbers speak for themselves:

Over 400,000 children are in U.S. foster care today

In some states, 90% of CPS removals are based on “neglect,” not abuse — and “neglect” often means being poor
Parents in CPS cases aren’t guaranteed lawyers in most states
No warrant, no recording, no trial by jury is required for a removal

“You don’t need to break the law to lose your child — just fall behind.”

What I’m Asking:

President Donald J. Trump, please use your voice to call for:

Mandatory recording of all CPS visits and interviews

Guaranteed legal representation for all parents facing removal
A higher burden of proof — “clear and convincing,” not 51%
A full federal review of CPS removal practices nationwide

CPS is not protecting families. It is punishing them.

This system is being abused, and no one is talking about it. I’m asking you to shine a light on it — because if they can do it to these families… they can do it to yours.