In the wake of President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines to police civilians in Los Angeles amid protests, Republicans have found themselves divided over the controversial move. While some GOP lawmakers have openly supported Trump’s actions, others have expressed concerns about the potential implications of using the military for domestic policing.
According to an article from The Nation, which criticizes Trump’s handling of the military, the deployment of troops in response to largely peaceful protests has raised alarms about the politicization of the armed forces. Jeet Heer argues that such actions could lead the United States down a dangerous path towards fascism, as the military becomes a tool for the president’s political agenda.
Contrastingly, a piece on Real Clear Politics takes a more celebratory tone, highlighting the military parade held in Washington DC to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. The article praises the display of patriotism and military might, portraying Trump’s use of the military in a positive light.
On the other hand, an article from Daily Kos condemns Republican lawmakers for their support of Trump’s decision to deploy troops in California. The piece criticizes GOP members for failing to criticize the president’s actions, despite concerns raised by the LAPD and Governor Gavin Newsom about the necessity of military intervention in the protests.
The differing perspectives from these sources reflect the broader debate within the Republican Party regarding Trump’s use of the military for domestic law enforcement. While some lawmakers argue that the deployment of troops was necessary to restore public safety, others question the constitutionality and appropriateness of using the military to police civilians.
In light of these conflicting views, it is evident that Trump’s actions have sparked controversy and division within the GOP. The president’s decision to deploy the military in response to civil unrest has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the increasing militarization of law enforcement.
In conclusion, the use of the military for domestic policing has become a contentious issue within the Republican Party, with lawmakers expressing differing opinions on the appropriateness of Trump’s actions. The debate over the politicization of the armed forces and the implications for democracy will likely continue to shape political discourse in the coming weeks.
Reference:
1. Heer, Jeet. “Donald Trump Is Running the Military Like a Warlord.” The Nation. [https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trump-politicization-military-warlord/]
2. “Rejoice at Trump’s Bristling Military Spectacle.” Real Clear Politics. [https://www.realclearpolitics.com/2025/06/14/rejoice_at_trumps_bristling_military_spectacle_648409.html]
3. “Republicans salivate as Trump sends in military to police civilians.” Daily Kos. [https://www.dailykos.com/story/2025/6/15/2327567/-Republicans-salivate-as-Trump-sends-in-military-to-police-civilians?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source=]
Political Bias Index:
The Nation (Blue/Liberal)
Real Clear Politics (Red/Conservative)
Daily Kos (Blue/Liberal)
Overall, the article leans towards a neutral perspective (Green) by presenting a balanced analysis of the varying viewpoints on Trump’s use of the military for civilian policing.
