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Trump’s Return to White House Expected to Bring Sweeping Changes to Military Policy and Domestic Security
Trump's return to the White House could lead to sweeping changes in military policy, domestic security, and U.S. defense strategies
President Donald J. Trump waves as he steps off Air Force One at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. on Sep 25, 2020. The president transited through the base on his way to attend an engagement at the Cobb Galleria Center. (U.S. Air Force photo/Andrew Park)
Former President Donald Trump's election victory has sparked concerns over his plans to utilize the military against what he terms domestic "enemies from within" and reshape policies and personnel in his image. During his campaign, Trump repeatedly expressed intentions to employ the military for domestic purposes, including mass deportations, targeting political rivals, and quelling protests.
Trump's first term provides insight into his potential actions, particularly his consideration of deploying active-duty troops against protesters during the 2020 racial justice protests. Although opposition from officials, including then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper, hindered his plans, Trump is now expected to surround himself with loyalists, potentially removing previous roadblocks.
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Among those whom Trump has talked about targeting with the military are "the enemy within," including "the fascists, the Marxists, the communists, the people that we have that are actually running the country." Specific people he's named as enemies include Democratic politicians such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Adam Schiff of California.
Trump has also talked about using the military to help carry out his plan for deporting tens of millions of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. A spokesperson for Trump confirmed that Trump will launch his deportation operations on his first day in office.
Additionally, Trump plans to revive a plan that would allow him to easily fire nonpolitical civil servants and replace them with political appointees. Civilians working at the Pentagon would be among the bureaucrats at risk. The 2024 GOP platform also promised to "get woke Left-wing Democrats fired" from the military "as soon as possible" if they won the election.
Other changes expected under Trump include ending diversity initiatives, affirmative action at military academies, and open transgender service. Trump has also expressed skepticism over continuing U.S. support for Ukraine and has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump and Republicans have vowed to bulk up the defense budget, with the 2024 GOP platform pledging to "invest in cutting-edge research and advanced technologies, including an Iron Dome Missile Defense Shield." However, experts question the practicality of this system in defending against long-range missiles.
