A coalition of 25 House Democratic veterans has sharply rebuked President Trump, denouncing his recent remarks urging that U.S. cities become “training grounds” for the military as “so deeply un-American it may break the fabric of our democracy.”
The letter, spearheaded by Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) and joined by two dozen other Democratic veterans, accuses Trump of eroding the nonpartisan foundation of the armed forces. “Men and women who have sacrificed everything to serve in uniform should not and cannot be used as political pawns to wage war against your political foes,” the lawmakers wrote.
The controversy stems from Trump’s Tuesday speech, in which he framed domestic unrest and immigration enforcement as justifications for greater military presence in U.S. cities.
His administration has repeatedly deployed National Guard troops in response to protests and local opposition. In August, troops were sent to Washington, D.C., where the federal government temporarily seized control of the local police force.
Earlier deployments included California National Guard units and Marines to Los Angeles during demonstrations against ICE raids.
This week, the Pentagon dispatched 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland despite objections from Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek, state Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and Mayor Keith Wilson.
Federal agents have also been sent to Memphis as part of a new Trump administration task force, while Chicago has been floated as the next possible site for expanded troop activity.
Critics warn these moves push the limits of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which bars active-duty military branches from civilian law enforcement.
The Guard, while part of the Army and Air Force, has long been used in emergencies but not as a partisan force. “Trump’s actions will directly hurt our military in the long run — making every American less safe,” the Democratic veterans cautioned.
Rep. Ryan, a former Army officer who served two combat tours in Iraq, underscored his frustration in an interview with CNN: “I did not risk my life, 27 months in combat, to come and see U.S. troops in my own city or my own state.” His criticism follows the launch of his new PAC aimed at recruiting Democratic candidates with military or public service backgrounds.
The dispute marks another escalation in the long-running clash over presidential authority, military neutrality, and the limits of federal power in local law enforcement. With Trump signaling further deployments, the debate over the politicization of the armed forces is likely to intensify ahead of the 2028 election cycle.
