Trump's Military Plans: Potential Use Against Migrants in 2025
- Mark Esper warns against using active-duty military for law enforcement, particularly to deport migrants.
- Esper recalls Trump's past suggestions of extreme measures, emphasizing his aggressive approach.
- Concerns grow that a potential second term for Trump could lead to a government prioritizing loyalty over constitutional values.
In the United States, discussions surrounding the potential use of military forces in law enforcement roles have intensified, especially in light of the upcoming election. Mark Esper, the former defense secretary under Donald Trump, expressed concerns about the implications of such actions should Trump win a second term. Esper recalled a tense moment during 2020 when Trump suggested extreme measures for crowd control, reflecting his inclination towards aggressive tactics. He emphasized that using active-duty military personnel to enforce immigration laws would be problematic and could potentially undermine military integrity. Esper also voiced his apprehensions that Trump's inner circle in a second term might include individuals less committed to upholding constitutional values, posing risks to democratic principles and the military's role. These insights suggest a troubling scenario where military forces could be exploited for political ends, raising alarms about the state of governance and civil-military relations in the country.