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Chairpersons

Senators Call for Hearing on Trump's Military Deployments to American Cities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and several of his Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) colleagues have issued a letter to SASC Chairman Roger Wicker, urging him to hold a hearing to examine President Donald Trump's ongoing military deployment to American cities. The senators express concern over the impact of these deployments on military readiness, public trust in the military, and the safety of the American people. They call for transparency about the Administration's and Department of Defense's actions to Congress and the American public, as well as an evaluation of Trump's authoritarian enforcement efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The senators have written a letter to SASC Chairman Wicker urging him to hold a hearing on Trump's military deployments to American cities and to examine the Department of Defense's (DOD) actions in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • The senators express concern over the impact of these deployments on military readiness, public trust in the military, and the safety of the American people.
  • The letter is cosigned by 10 SASC Democratic colleagues, including U.S. Senators Jack Reed, Tammy Duckworth, Elizabeth Warren, Mazie Hirono, Jacky Rosen, Angus King, Mark Kelly, Gary Peters, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Jeanne Shaheen.
  • The senators highlight the potential consequences of using the military for domestic law enforcement, including the erosion of public trust in the military and the distraction from core military missions.
  • The letter notes that the National Guard's retention rate for deployed personnel is projected to be 21%, far lower than the typical 60% rate.
  • The Department of Defense has surged its assistance to DHS across the country, using military assets and personnel for tasks that are typically the responsibility of civilian law enforcement agencies.

Statistics:

  • 21%: Projected National Guard retention rate for deployed personnel in Los Angeles
  • 60%: Typical National Guard retention rate
  • 5: Number of military installations designated for detentions or support to Federal agents
  • Imminent: Expansion of military deployments to cities including Chicago, Baltimore, New Orleans, and Memphis
  • 9: September 9: Date when The Washington Post reported on the National Guard's assessment of public sentiment about President Trump's federal takeover of D.C.
  • 7: July: Date when The New York Times reported on the lower than typical retention rate for National Guardsmen in Los Angeles

Sources:

  • "Kaine, SASC Colleagues Call on Chairman Wicker to Hold Hearing on Trump's Military Deployments to American Cities." Office of Senator Tim Kaine. September 18.

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