Renowned for his roles in comedic hits such as “The Waterboy” and “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo,” Rob Schneider has found himself at the center of controversy following his recent statements.

Over the weekend, the comedian, known for his conservative views, ignited a firestorm on social media by calling for the reinstatement of the military draft in the United States, a practice that was discontinued in 1973.

In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Schneider, who is 62 and has never served in the armed forces, proposed that every American should be required to enlist once they reach the age of 18.

“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.

He elaborated, “Every American, upon reaching eighteen years old, must serve two years of military service. They could also opt to spend part of this time serving overseas or within the country in a volunteer role.”

Schneider emphasized that being a citizen of the United States provides unparalleled freedoms and opportunities admired worldwide. However, he noted, these cherished freedoms do not come without a cost.

Comedian Rob Schneider sparked outrage over the weekend after calling for the U.S. to reinstate the military draft

The conservative star, 62, is one of Hollywood’s most outspoken Republicans

‘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.’

He added, ‘Many nations around the world require their young citizens to serve their country. Until recently, our nation did as well.’

Given that the U.S. is currently engaged in an active conflict with Iran that has already killed 13 American service members and wounded over 300, many were less than impressed with Schneider’s hawkish suggestion.

‘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**k off,’ commented one X user. 

A second 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.’ 

Daily Mail has contacted Schneider’s management for comment. 

Schneider is one of Hollywood’s most outspoken Republicans and has been a vocal supporter of President Trump and the Republican Party for years.

The charred remains of a car dealership in Tehran are pictured following US-Israeli strikes 

He has three children, including his eldest daughter Elle King, who is a popular country singer.

The thrice-married comedian has a contentious relationship with King, who has said that he was an absent father who sent her to fat camp as a child.

‘I disagree with a lot of the things that he says,’ King previously told Bunnie Xo’s Dumb Blonde podcast.

Schneider later publicly apologized to King during an appearance on Tucker Carlson’s podcast. 

‘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.

Schneider’s latest comments come as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has refused to rule out the possibility of a military draft amid rising tensions with Iran.

Schneider has a strained relationship with his daughter Elle King, who has said that he was an absent father who sent her to fat camp as a child

‘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,’ Leavitt said on Fox News.

‘It’s not part of the current plan right now, but the president, again, wisely keeps his options on the table.’

Meanwhile, earlier this month Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told CBS’ 60 Minutes that there ‘will be more casualties’ since the US joined Israeli attacks on Iran.

‘The president’s been right to say there will be casualties. Things like this don’t happen without casualties. There will be more casualties,’ Hegseth said.

‘No one is, I mean, especially our generation knows what it’s like to see Americans come home in caskets. But that doesn’t weaken us one bit. It stiffens our spine and our resolve to say this is a fight we will finish.’