Trump Plans Expanded Military Role Against 'Enemy Within' in Major US Cities

President Donald Trump addressed over 800 top U.S. military officials, declaring the United States faces a "war from within" and announced a major expansion of military involvement in civilian law enforcement, particularly targeting cities like San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Trump described immigration and crime as an "invasion from within," emphasizing the use of a newly established military quick reaction force to quell civil disturbances and suggesting some cities be used as training grounds for the military National Guard. His remarks marked a significant shift as previous presidents have avoided overt domestic political statements to the military, raising concerns about partisan alignment and the potential misuse of military power against American citizens. Massachusetts leaders and other local officials criticized the administration's approach, highlighting the reallocation of law enforcement funds and condemning the deployment of troops without state consent, framing it as a breach of state sovereignty and a political move rather than a response to actual civil unrest. Critics also pointed out the erosion of the Posse Comitatus Act's principle that restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement, warning of the damage to military reputation and civil liberties. The situation reflects deep tensions between the federal administration's aggressive domestic military posture and local leaders' calls for respect for constitutional limits and civilian control.