WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Armed Services Committee is poised to question military leaders about President Donald Trump's application of the National Guard in various American cities, amid rising legal challenges and inquiries about state rights regarding military deployment on domestic soil.
This unprecedented hearing set for Thursday marks the first time Congress will scrutinize Trump's controversial military actions outside of court, as numerous state officials have opposed the deployments.
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a combat veteran, has emphasized her concern over the legality and nature of these military deployments, declaring that they are often rooted under misleading circumstances, especially when aimed at immigration enforcement rather than traditional emergency responses.
Trump has defended the military's presence as necessary to safeguard law enforcement and federal assets, insisting that the National Guard is essential for tackling crime. However, Duckworth argues these justifications do not align with the National Guard's historical role, which includes responding to natural disasters rather than immigration enforcement.
In recent weeks, these deployments drew heightened attention when two National Guard members were shot near the White House, showcasing the risks they face in domestic operations. Concurrently, legal challenges have arisen, with a federal judge halting the California National Guard's involvement and returning control back to state authorities, indicating a troubling trend for future military orders.
As the hearing approaches, Congress faces the pressing question: How should the National Guard be utilized in an increasingly complex political and social landscape?
