US President Donald Trump has stated he wants to use American cities as training grounds for the military.
In an unusual address to hundreds of military leaders assembled from across the world, Trump described civil disturbances as the enemy from within. He added that the situation won't get out of control once you're involved.
This announcement follows the deployment of National Guard troops in cities like Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon, aimed at addressing rising crime and supporting immigration enforcement.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also spoke at the event, emphasizing the end of woke culture at the Pentagon and introducing new physical fitness standards that may impact women's eligibility.
The president criticized Democratic-led cities for their safety issues, promising to straighten them out one by one and reiterated his stance on utilizing military resources for law enforcement, labeling it a priority for national security.
Governor JB Pritzker responded vehemently, accusing Trump of invading and disrupting US cities, while Senator Tammy Duckworth raised alarms about the potential repercussions of Hegseth's comments on military recruitment.
The gathering at Marine Corps Base Quantico, notable for its tight security and high-level attendance, was perceived by some as a means to bolster military morale, yet it left many questioning the appropriateness of such a meeting given current political climates.
Overall, Trump's speech and the accompanying military reforms sparked wide-ranging debates about the future of the military and its role within domestic affairs, alongside cultural shifts towards traditional standards of performance and conduct.
