Veterans Sound Alarm: Trump’s LA Protest Response Could Transform Military Into a Political Tool

The deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles during civilian protests has raised serious concerns. Experts warn that this move could politicize the military, which traditionally stays out of domestic politics unless absolutely necessary.

On this issue, retired Major General Paul Eaton expressed worry, stating that such actions cast the military in a negative light, describing it as the "man on horseback" using force against American citizens. This situation evokes memories of 1965 when President Lyndon Johnson sent in troops to protect civil rights marchers in Alabama, which many see as a Last resort.

Eaton anticipates this may lead to invoking the Insurrection Act, a law that allows the president to deploy military forces against civil unrest. “We are heading toward inappropriate uses of military power,” he cautioned.

As peaceful protests against President Trump’s deportation policies continue in LA, troops have been authorized to protect federal buildings but are not meant to directly engage in law enforcement. A retired army officer, speaking anonymously, noted that the deployment contradicts the governor’s wishes, suggesting it’s a political move rather than a response to a genuine crisis.

Trump’s directive allows for nationwide military mobilization, giving the defense secretary broad powers. This level of pre-emptive action is unprecedented in the U.S. military’s history. On Sunday, Trump hinted at expanding troop deployments across the country.

Janessa Goldbeck, a Marine veteran and CEO of the Vet Voice Foundation, called this a substantial escalation. She expressed that this order essentially invites the defense secretary to deploy troops anywhere in the U.S.

Concerns also extend to how these troops will interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Geoffrey DeWeese, a former army judge advocate, worried about the potential perception when troops accompany ICE agents in the field. The overlap between military and law enforcement could lead to confusion among civilians.

This trend isn’t entirely new; analysts from the Brennan Center predicted such military actions if Trump remained in power. During his campaign, Trump suggested using military force against perceived enemies within the U.S.

Further, his recent removal of high-ranking military officials without clear justification has raised fears of politicizing the armed forces. Retired Lieutenant General Jeffrey Buchanan noted that dismissing leaders can divide military allegiance into "my generals" and "not my generals," weakening public trust in the military’s integrity.

Another point of concern looming ahead is Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C., scheduled for June 14. The event coincides with his birthday, prompting criticism that it serves a personal agenda rather than honoring the military’s service. Goldbeck remarked that such displays are reminiscent of actions taken by dictators, which goes against American values.

In summary, the current circumstances surrounding military involvement in civilian protests reflect deeper issues tied to leadership style, historical precedents, and the potential shift in the military’s role in society. As tensions rise, the implications of these deployments will be watched closely, not just for their immediate effects but also for their long-term impact on the military’s identity and relationship with the American public.

For more detailed information, you can refer to Trump’s memo on troop deployment.

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