Senator Tammy Duckworth, a retired military veteran and former Illinois Army National Guard member, has taken a strong public stance against the use of National Guard troops in American cities for political purposes. In a detailed op-ed, she criticizes President Donald Trump’s recent decision to deploy National Guard and federal forces to urban areas, emphasizing the lack of coordination with local authorities and the potential risks to civilian safety. She highlights the absence of real threats in these cities, contrasting Trump’s claims with the actual security needs of the nation.
Duckworth’s criticisms stem from her personal experience in the military, where she has witnessed the importance of maintaining a strong and trusted relationship between military personnel and the public. She argues that Trump’s strategy not only misuses the military but also risks diverting resources from critical national security missions such as counter-terrorism and cyber-security. Duckworth’s comments come amid reports that a federal judge, appointed by Trump, has blocked his attempts to deploy National Guard troops in Portland, citing the lack of factual basis for his claims about urban unrest. This judicial action has raised concerns about the potential for Trump’s policies to set a dangerous precedent for the use of military force in civilian affairs.
Additionally, Duckworth has pointed out the financial implications of Trump’s policies, noting that his decisions to mobilize troop movements have led to significant taxpayer spending without clear benefits to national security. The senator’s critique also extends to Trump’s refusal to coordinate with state and local officials, which she argues has undermined the effectiveness of local law enforcement agencies and eroded public trust in both the military and the federal government. Her statement reflects a broader political discourse in the United States about the appropriate role of the military in domestic affairs and the importance of maintaining civil liberties and democratic institutions.