President Donald Trump is reportedly prepared to escalate the deployment of National Guard troops into additional U.S. cities if protests against his administration's immigration raids spread beyond Los Angeles. This potential move, as stated by administration officials, could mark the most extensive use of military force on American soil in modern history.
During a congressional testimony, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that the Pentagon possesses the capability to rapidly deploy National Guard troops to various cities “if there are other riots in places where law enforcement officers are threatened.” This announcement comes in light of ongoing protests against immigration policies, which have seen an uptick in intensity and numbers.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a stern warning to protesters outside Los Angeles, stating that increased “lawlessness” will only strengthen Trump's resolve. “Let this be an unequivocal message to left-wing radicals in other parts of the country who are considering mimicking the violence to obstruct this administration’s mass deportation efforts,” Leavitt declared. “You will not succeed.”
The White House's firm stance coincides with Trump’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric. Recently, he has threatened to use force against immigration activists and any protesters who may disrupt a military parade scheduled for Saturday, celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary. This parade, which Trump has long desired, will showcase military hardware and personnel, symbolizing a significant moment in a week characterized by a historic deployment of armed forces against domestic opposition.
In a speech at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Trump expressed pride in the nation’s military capabilities, asserting, “Time and again, our enemies have learned that if you dare to threaten the American people, an American soldier will chase you down, crush you and cast you into oblivion.”
Trump’s threats against protesters have raised concerns among civil rights advocates and political analysts. Notably, he has failed to differentiate between violent demonstrators and those exercising their right to peaceful protest. When questioned about this during a White House briefing, Leavitt dismissed the inquiry, claiming, “of course” the president supports peaceful protests.
Critics have drawn parallels between Trump’s rhetoric and that of autocrats who frequently deploy military forces against their citizens. Administration officials argue that the president is demonstrating strength and prioritizing “law and order” as Democrats are perceived to be lenient on violent protesters.
The public's response to Trump’s National Guard deployment has been divided. A recent poll from The Washington Post and George Mason University’s Schar School indicates that while Republicans largely support Trump’s decision, most Democrats oppose it. Independents and a majority of Californians also lean toward disapproval.
As protests against the administration’s immigration policies continue to expand to cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and San Francisco, California Governor Gavin Newsom has voiced strong opposition to Trump’s actions. He argued that the deployment of National Guard troops could exacerbate tensions and escalate the situation further.
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois highlighted that deploying military forces across the country should not be treated as a routine decision, emphasizing, “It is not routine, using our military force to enforce criminal laws in our country.” Trump has indicated that he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act to facilitate military intervention if he deems it necessary.
Experts warn that the mere consideration of such actions poses a threat to democratic principles. According to Steven Levitsky, a Harvard government professor, “In a democratic society, citizens don’t have to think twice about peaceful expressions of opposition — that’s what life is like in a free society.”
The situation surrounding military intervention has intensified since Trump’s recent deployment of the National Guard to California without state approval, which Newsom asserts could set a dangerous precedent for future actions across the nation. As the potential for protests continues to grow, Trump’s administration is under increasing scrutiny for its approach to handling dissent.
With tensions rising, Republican governors, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, are also poised to take action, announcing their own National Guard deployments in anticipation of planned protests. As the nation watches, the implications of such military readiness and the administration's rhetoric on civil liberties will be closely examined.
