National Guard troops are trained for combat—not crowd control. Their rules of engagement are designed for hostile intent, not for de-escalating peaceful protests. Using them to patrol cities like Los Angeles during ICE raids is dangerous and improper. Experts warn this militarization inflames tensions, undermines public safety, and usurps police roles that local authorities are equipped to handle. When troops face unarmed civilians, the risk of escalation is real—and deadly.
State control matters. Guard troops work best under governors’ command, coordinated with local law enforcement. Federalizing the Guard without state input breaks that legal and practical framework. The House Appropriations defense subcommittee highlighted concerns during Hegseth’s testimony: basic supplies were delayed, transparency was low, and consequences were unpredictable. Meanwhile, when the U.S. Capitol was under siege, Trump failed to call in the Guard promptly, even as rioters breached the building. Yet now he deploys thousands of soldiers against lawful Americans—armed service members used as political tools.
We will not allow service members to enforce politics on American citizens. It’s an insult to our Armed Forces and to the principle of civilian governance. Congress must launch an immediate investigation into this deployment. Hold senior military leaders accountable. Protect the Guard’s legitimacy by restoring state authority. And pass legislation that ensures the military cannot be used for domestic political purposes. Our safety, our democracy, and our national honor depend on it.
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