You are 100% correct. That’s damage control for the Democrats’ publicity arm aka the “main stream” media: blame Trump.
Not an expert but that’s not exactly correct at least re military contractors. See https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-ucmj-change-and-its-applicability-to-private-military-contractors/amp/ Not
Sure if/how that could apply here. Again not an expert.