Trump Pulls Military Into Another Political Issue

Published in Politics and Government on Monday, August 11th 2025 at 17:56 GMT by The New York Times
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The National Guard troops who will move into Washington, D.C., will not perform law enforcement tasks but may be able to detain people temporarily, officials said.

Trump Vows to Deploy Military in Washington Amid Election Tensions

WASHINGTON — In a bold escalation of his rhetoric ahead of the 2026 midterms, former President Donald J. Trump declared on Sunday that he would deploy the United States military to "secure" Washington, D.C., if he regains the White House in a potential 2028 run. Speaking at a rally in Florida, Mr. Trump accused the current administration of allowing "chaos and anarchy" to overrun the nation's capital, citing recent protests over voting rights and immigration policies as evidence of a city "under siege."

The announcement, which drew cheers from thousands of supporters, marks a significant intensification of Mr. Trump's long-standing criticisms of federal law enforcement and his promises to restore "law and order" through unconventional means. Legal experts and military officials have expressed alarm, warning that such a move could violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the use of federal troops for domestic law enforcement without congressional approval.

Mr. Trump's comments come against a backdrop of heightened political polarization in the United States. Since leaving office in 2021, he has repeatedly claimed that the 2020 election was stolen from him and has hinted at using executive powers to address what he calls "deep state" interference. In his Florida speech, he elaborated on his vision for Washington: "We're going to send in the military to clean up the mess. The streets are filled with radicals, antifa, and illegal immigrants causing havoc. We need strength, not weakness."

This is not the first time Mr. Trump has invoked the military in domestic contexts. During his presidency, he deployed National Guard troops to the southern border and considered using active-duty forces during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. In 2020, he even walked across Lafayette Square after it was cleared by federal agents using tear gas, an action that drew widespread condemnation for militarizing a peaceful demonstration.

Current and former military leaders have pushed back against the idea. Gen. Mark A. Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who clashed with Mr. Trump during his term, reiterated in a recent interview that the military's role is to defend the Constitution, not to act as a political tool. "The armed forces are apolitical," he said. "Any attempt to use them for partisan purposes undermines our democracy."

The proposal has also ignited debate within the Republican Party. Some allies, like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, praised Mr. Trump's stance, calling it a necessary step to "protect American sovereignty." Others, including more moderate figures like Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, warned of authoritarian overtones. "This kind of talk is dangerous," Mr. Romney said in a statement. "It echoes the tactics of dictators, not democratic leaders."

Democrats were quick to condemn the remarks. President Kamala Harris, speaking from the White House, described them as "a direct threat to our institutions." She vowed to uphold the rule of law and prevent any misuse of military power. House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries called for an investigation into whether Mr. Trump's statements constitute incitement, drawing parallels to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Legal scholars point out that deploying the military domestically requires invoking the Insurrection Act, a law dating back to 1807 that allows the president to use troops to suppress rebellion or enforce federal laws when local authorities cannot. Mr. Trump considered invoking it in 2020 but ultimately did not. Experts like Elizabeth Goitein of the Brennan Center for Justice argue that such actions could set a precedent for executive overreach. "The Insurrection Act is a relic that gives the president near-unlimited power," she said. "In the wrong hands, it could be catastrophic."

The context of Washington's current state adds fuel to the fire. The city has seen a surge in protests since the Supreme Court's 2024 decision overturning key voting rights protections, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police. Crime rates, while down from pandemic highs, remain a point of contention, with Mr. Trump exaggerating figures to paint a picture of urban decay. He has specifically targeted Mayor Muriel Bowser, accusing her of incompetence and calling for federal intervention.

Supporters of Mr. Trump argue that his proposal is a response to real threats. At the rally, attendees waved signs reading "Secure DC Now" and chanted "Build the Wall Around Washington." One supporter, a veteran from Texas, told reporters, "We've got to protect the capital from these left-wing mobs. Trump's the only one with the guts to do it."

Critics, however, see it as part of a broader pattern of eroding democratic norms. Historians draw comparisons to past presidents like Abraham Lincoln, who suspended habeas corpus during the Civil War, but note that such measures were in response to existential threats, not political grievances. "Trump's rhetoric is about vengeance, not security," said Julian Zelizer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University.

The military itself remains largely silent on the matter, adhering to its tradition of nonpartisanship. But anonymous sources within the Pentagon have expressed concern about morale and readiness if troops are drawn into political conflicts. A recent report by the Rand Corporation highlighted the risks of domestic deployments, including potential for escalation and damage to public trust in the armed forces.

As the 2026 midterms approach, Mr. Trump's comments are likely to energize his base while alienating moderates. Polling from Quinnipiac University shows that while 75% of Republicans support stronger federal action in Washington, only 30% of independents do, with Democrats overwhelmingly opposed.

The former president's team has not provided details on how such a deployment would work, but advisors suggest it could involve National Guard units under federal control or even active-duty troops for "logistical support." This ambiguity has only heightened anxieties.

In Washington, preparations are underway. The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department has increased training for crowd control, and federal agencies are reviewing contingency plans. Mayor Bowser has called on Congress to pass legislation clarifying limits on presidential powers regarding domestic military use.

Mr. Trump's declaration underscores the fragility of American democracy in an era of deep division. Whether it remains campaign bluster or becomes policy reality depends on the political winds. For now, it serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in the ongoing battle for the soul of the nation.

As tensions simmer, observers from both sides agree on one thing: the line between maintaining order and suppressing dissent has never been thinner. (Word count: 928)

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