Trump Deploys National Guard to Four Major U.S. Cities

Donald Trump has deployed National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., Chicago, Portland, and Los Angeles, marking the first time since the civil rights era a president has sent troops over the objections of governors. The administration is utilizing post-9/11 counterterrorism powers and national emergency loopholes to suppress dissent and target political opponents, including categorizing leftist activists and advocacy groups as terrorism supporters.

In Los Angeles, the administration deployed both National Guard troops and active-duty Marines under a 1903 law concerning rebellion. Similar measures were applied in Chicago and Portland. These domestic deployments coincide with reports of extrajudicial executions of suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean and directives for Department of Homeland Security officers to engage in racial profiling and harassment.

Administration officials have signaled a hardline approach to opposition. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller encouraged immigration officers to use increased violence and force against protesters, while Border Czar Tom Homan warned that "there’s still gonna be more bloodshed" if critics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement do not remain silent. These actions follow a 25-year erosion of civil liberties initiated by the Patriot Act and supported by Supreme Court immunity for executive officials.