By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During a meeting with military leaders, former President Trump suggested utilizing “dangerous” U.S. cities as training grounds for the military, specifically mentioning Chicago. He highlighted the city’s recent violence, criticizing Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and expressing the need for military intervention. Trump also referenced Portland, Oregon, comparing it to a “warzone,” and announced a deployment of troops to the city via a Truth Social post. Additionally, Trump recently signed an executive order to rebrand the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” though such a change would require Congressional approval to be official.
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Donald Trump suggesting US cities be “training grounds” for military is a concept that, frankly, feels like something straight out of a dystopian novel. It’s the kind of thing that, if proposed by a leader of any other nation, would be met with immediate and widespread condemnation. The idea of treating American cities as practice zones for the military raises a whole host of deeply concerning questions about the role of the military, the rights of citizens, and the very foundations of our democracy.
The immediate reaction, for many, is shock and disbelief. It’s hard to process the notion of deploying the military within the borders of the United States for training purposes. What exactly are they training for? Is it for crowd control? Potential civil unrest? The possibilities, and the implications, are chilling. This scenario stirs up images of heavily armed soldiers patrolling city streets, of citizens being viewed as potential threats, and of a military presence that feels less like a protector and more like an occupying force. This certainly isn’t the America we all know and grew up in.
The lack of widespread media coverage, and even more shockingly, the relative silence from many political figures, is equally unsettling. One would expect such a statement to be a headline news event, a topic of constant debate, and a call for immediate clarification and reassurances. The absence of these things sends a message that this behavior may be condoned or worse, encouraged. It can be argued that those who fail to speak out are complicit in normalizing the unthinkable. If you’re in a position of power and don’t condemn this, then what are you condoning?
Furthermore, the context in which this suggestion was made is crucial. Was it a joke? A throwaway line? Or was it a calculated statement, designed to test the waters, to gauge public reaction? The answer matters because it speaks to the intent behind the words. Either way, the words were said, and the consequences are there to be thought of. This is especially concerning if the intent is to prepare for a scenario that involves the military turning on the American people. If there’s any truth to this, it’s an unforgivable betrayal of the oath taken by every member of the armed forces.
The potential for such actions to incite a military coup is a very serious concern. The lines between military training, law enforcement, and political power become blurred. When the military is present in cities for “training,” the stage is set for a scenario where the military could be used for political ends. This directly contradicts the principles of a democratic society.
The calls for the 25th Amendment are becoming louder for a good reason. The 25th Amendment provides a mechanism for removing a president deemed unfit to lead. These words are alarming, and they raise questions about a leader’s fitness for office. The silence of other leaders is deafening.
Moreover, the implications for future elections cannot be overlooked. If the military is deployed in cities, what guarantees are in place to prevent the election? This is a question that needs to be addressed immediately. Any suspicion, even a hint, that the election can be manipulated is an unacceptable attack on our rights.
This situation has a way of bringing out deep emotions. Some people feel the need to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. Others are calling for action now. Others still feel the need to understand what is happening and to be heard. Either way, it’s clear that these thoughts and suggestions, regardless of their intent, have created a crisis of confidence.
The fact that this is even a topic of discussion is a mark against the current administration. This is not normal, and it should not be normalized. The American people deserve transparency, accountability, and a leader who respects the Constitution and the rights of all citizens. The idea of using our cities as training grounds for the military is a betrayal of these core principles, and it should be met with immediate and unwavering condemnation.