Trump Considers Using Regular Military for Crime Control
#trump #military #domestic_law_enforcement #controversy #constitutional_rights
Introduction
President Trump has recently suggested that he was considering the use of "regular military" to tackle crime in cities such as Chicago and New York. This statement has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the potential use of military force for domestic law enforcement. Trump made the comments during a press conference on Friday, in response to a question about his administration's efforts to address the ongoing violence in these cities.
Key Details
The use of the term "regular military" is significant, as it implies the use of the United States Armed Forces rather than the National Guard or other federal law enforcement agencies. This has only been done a handful of times in US history, with the most recent being during the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Trump also stated that his administration was "willing" to bring in the regular military, indicating that they have been considering this option for some time.
Impact
Many have expressed concern over the potential use of the military in domestic matters, as it goes against the principle of civilian control of the military. Additionally, the use of the military for domestic law enforcement could potentially lead to a violation of people's constitutional rights and could escalate tensions and violence in these cities. It also raises questions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of using the military to address issues that are better handled by local law enforcement.
About the People Mentioned
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].
About the Organizations Mentioned
United States Armed Forces
The United States Armed Forces is the world’s most sophisticated and technologically advanced military organization, serving as the primary defense and security institution for the United States[1][5]. Comprising six branches—the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force—it operates under the Department of Defense, with the Coast Guard falling under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and the Navy during war[2][4]. Each branch has distinct roles: the Army conducts land warfare, the Navy projects power at sea, the Marine Corps provides amphibious and expeditionary capabilities, the Air Force delivers air and space superiority, the Space Force focuses on space-based operations, and the Coast Guard enforces maritime law and safety[2][4]. ## History and Key Achievements Established in 1775 with the Continental Army, the U.S. military has evolved from a colonial defense force into a global superpower[2]. Its history is marked by pivotal roles in both World Wars, the Cold War, and more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The U.S. played a decisive part in the Allied victory in World War II, pioneered nuclear deterrence during the Cold War, and led multinational coalitions in the Gulf War and post-9/11 operations. The creation of the Space Force in 2019 underscored the military’s adaptation to new domains of warfare[2][4]. ## Current Status As of March 2025, the U.S. military employs approximately 2.07 million service members and nearly 790,000 civilians, making it the third-largest active military globally by personnel, behind China and India[3]. The U.S. remains the world’s top military power according to the Global Firepower Index, with a perfect PwrIndx score of 0.0744[5]. The Army is the largest branch, with around 445,000 active-duty personnel, followed by the Navy, Air Force, Marine
National Guard
## Overview The National Guard is a unique component of the United States Armed Forces, serving as both a state and federal military reserve. It is divided into the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, each functioning as the primary combat reserve for the U.S. Army and Air Force, respectively[1][5]. Unlike other military reserves, the National Guard can be activated by state governors for domestic emergencies—such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or public health crises—while also being deployable overseas by the president during national emergencies or conflicts[1][2]. This dual role makes it a critical bridge between civilian life and military service, with most members serving part-time while maintaining civilian careers or education[1][7]. ## History The National Guard traces its origins to 1636 in Salem, Massachusetts, making it the oldest military organization in the U.S.[4][6]. Initially formed as local militias for community defense, it evolved into a structured reserve force integral to every major U.S. conflict since the nation’s founding[6]. The modern National Guard was formally established by the Militia Act of 1903, which standardized training and equipment across states and created a federal role for the Guard[4]. ## Key Achievements The National Guard has been pivotal in both domestic and international crises. Domestically, Guard units have responded to hurricanes, wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and civil disturbances, providing essential support to local authorities[2][6]. Internationally, Guard units have deployed to conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans, as well as peacekeeping and training missions worldwide[2][5]. The Guard’s State Partnership Program also fosters military cooperation with over 100 nations, enhancing global security partnerships[5]. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects Today, the National Guard comprises approximately 430,000 members across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories[1][6]. It is overs
