1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

Subject: Immediate Response Needed to President Trump’s Escalation of Military Rhetoric and Actions I write to you with deep alarm and a heavy heart as an American citizen witnessing the rapid descent of our democratic institutions under direct threat from the very top of our government. Last night, at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, former President Donald Trump delivered a speech to U.S. soldiers that was historically unhinged, unconstitutional, and dangerous. While we have come to expect belligerence from him, this marked a chilling escalation. Trump repeatedly referred to elected officials—specifically the Mayor of Los Angeles and the Governor of California—as enemies. He called the people of Los Angeles “animals” and encouraged troops to adopt hostility toward their fellow Americans. This is not only a grotesque betrayal of his oath but a tactic reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, where dehumanizing opponents is the first step toward atrocities. But he didn’t stop there. Trump declared that several U.S. military bases would be renamed after Confederate generals—leaders of a treasonous rebellion responsible for hundreds of thousands of American deaths. This decision is a clear dog whistle to white nationalists and a deliberate embrace of those who fought against the Union our troops are sworn to protect. As of today, 5,000 U.S. troops have been deployed to California—more than are stationed in Syria or Afghanistan. This military occupation of a U.S. state, against the will of its elected leaders, is unconstitutional and alarming. If this sounds alarmist, it's because the alarm is real. It is happening here. Right now. If we want to preserve our democracy, we must act now. We call on you—our elected officials—to: Publicly condemn the use of dehumanizing rhetoric against U.S. citizens by any public official, especially the Commander-in-Chief. Investigate the legality and purpose of the military deployment to California. Affirm the importance of civilian control of the military and the absolute duty of the military to remain nonpartisan and loyal to the Constitution—not to any one leader. Refuse to allow any federal overreach that targets states, cities, or communities as political enemies. Let us not falter in this moment. Let us remember that our ancestors fought empires, dictatorships, and confederacies to ensure liberty for all. We are the descendants of revolutionaries. It is now our turn to defend the republic .