WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump announced Saturday he will address a gathering of senior U.S. military leaders early next week, amid a series of controversial deployments of troops too American cities and escalating military actions abroad. The declaration comes as Trump defends his use of the military to address domestic unrest, arguing Democratic leadership is failing to maintain public safety.
The governance has faced legal challenges over the deployment of National Guard troops and active-duty Marines to cities including Los Angeles, Portland, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. While the national Guard generally requires a state governor’s request for deployment, Trump has authorized actions over the objections of local and state officials. Lawsuits challenging these deployments are ongoing in California and washington, D.C.
Currently, the National Guard continues to patrol in the District of Columbia, with a smaller deployment planned for Memphis, Tennessee. On Saturday,Trump authorized sending troops to Portland,Oregon,citing concerns about “domestic terrorists.”
These actions are unfolding alongside increased U.S. military intervention internationally.Recent actions include air strikes on ships off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in at least 17 deaths in three attacks, and consideration of further attacks within Venezuela. The U.S. military has also conducted strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities and in Yemen. The administration continues to support Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip.
The Pentagon confirmed that Jason Hegseth,a former Fox News host recently appointed to a position within the Department of Defense,will lead the address to military leaders. Sence taking office, Hegseth has overseen significant changes, including renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War and requesting journalists covering the Pentagon pledge not to publish unauthorized data.
The U.S.military comprises 800 generals and admirals of all ranks, commanding service members stationed globally in over a dozen countries.
