Donald Trump’s plans to deploy thousands of American troops along the US-Mexico border and use the military to enforce domestic policy priorities have raised grave concerns about the role of the military in US society. The former president has repeatedly invoked the phrase “enemy from within” to describe those who oppose him, and his allies are developing plans to shift the military’s priorities and resources to address immigration and national security issues.
Trump’s vision for a more powerful military presence on US soil would involve recalling troops from overseas assignments and using them to conduct mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. He has also explored using the National Guard and military personnel to quell civil unrest and confront domestic threats, sparking alarms among advocates for human rights and civil liberties.
While some Republicans argue that Trump’s rhetoric reflects reality and points to a need for military action, others have expressed concerns about the potential for unchecked executive power and the erosion of traditional limits on military use. The plans could further inflame tension within the GOP between those who advocate for hawkish foreign policies and those who promote “America First” isolationism.
As Trump completes his campaign marked by serious threats to his life, his aides have requested military aircraft for transportation amid growing concerns over threats from Iran. Top military officers have expressed skepticism about Trump’s plans, with some considering him “fascist to the core.” The potential actions would likely require invoking wartime or emergency powers, raising fears that Trump could use the military to suppress dissent and enforce his personal preferences.
Democrats in Congress have tried to update presidential powers like the Insurrection Act but found little success. Instead, they are issuing dire warnings that Trump now has fewer guardrails on how he could use the military. The developments highlight a growing divide within the GOP over the role of the military in domestic policy and raise concerns about the potential risks of unchecked executive power.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/trump-plans-to-reimagine-military-as-all-powerful-tool-to-carry-out-his-agenda-on-u-s-soil