President Trump’s recent shift toward authoritarianism in Los Angeles feels like a warped reflection of reality. On Monday, he authorized the deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guards to troubled cities, adding to the existing 2,000 National Guards and 700 Marines already on the ground. The situation now resembles, perhaps unsettlingly, a scene from Kirkuk rather than the West Coast.
Further troop deployments were also made in other significant cities, with discussions surfacing around the California government arresting Governor Gavin Newsom. “I think that’s a great move,” Trump remarked during an interview with Fox News’ Peter Doocy. His escalating military presence indicates a determination to shift the summer crisis into a televised spectacle.
Meanwhile, various outlets seem to contort themselves to accommodate Trump’s growing affinity for militarism. The same voters who once fretted about the threat of tyranny under Biden now resonate with Trump’s proclamation of a military presence in democratic cities. For his steadfast supporters, the primary critique of the military actions in LA appears to be that the Marines didn’t take more decisive measures initially.
Trump has historically played to his base, hinting that a forceful approach could steer America down a militarized path reminiscent of authoritarian states like Russia. Of course, his trademark showmanship makes it more theatrical. It’s not entirely coincidental that such a military display occurred shortly before a military parade in Washington scheduled for June 14.
His actions guarantee that in the upcoming weeks, Trump’s name will be linked with formidable displays of military power. The striking images of the National Guard and Marines, complete with heavy artillery, are hard to ignore. This paints a picture aligned with a far-right vision, a hope his supporters share without much resistance.
There’s no denying that Trump eagerly sought justification to deploy federal forces in LA, aiming to cast democratic cities as chaotic hotbeds. He hasn’t misled his supporters—this militarization fulfills a long-held aspiration for many within his base.
The rationale for deploying troops may often seem trivial. If Los Angeles Democrats aren’t guilty of the said chaos, then the logic presumed by MAGA supporters takes hold. Republicans, who initially championed law enforcement support, found themselves at odds when faced with Trump’s controversial military maneuvers overriding local governance.
The moral disintegration linked to Trumpism is more subtle than what Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem has displayed. During the pandemic, she gained popularity for opposing mandates, but she remained silent when federal agents targeted journalists covering LA protests. It seems not all forms of tyranny are perceived equally in her view.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Noem labeled Los Angeles as a “city of criminals,” suggesting a harsher crackdown. To Trump and Noem, the residents aren’t simply fellow Americans with rights; they are seen as adversaries to be suppressed.
Trump’s takeover of Los Angeles, along with impending military celebrations, signifies the GOP’s attempt to normalize a visible military presence in U.S. communities. The current reality—where Trump’s authoritarian grip seems confined to democratic cities—appears to serve both sides of the political spectrum, who are exhausted from masking their true sentiments regarding America’s future.
This narrow focus guarantees a heated summer with considerable unrest, with blue cities taking the brunt of it. A majority of Americans may now believe that political violence is unavoidable. Trump’s militarized image only further convinces many that sacrificing our democratic ideals is acceptable.
In effect, Trump’s actions in Los Angeles are fracturing our nation from within. History suggests such divisions are unsustainable.
