Garamendi Statement on Trump’s Deployment of Troops to Chicago

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, released the following statement after President Trump deployed National Guard troops to Chicago:

"I am appalled and disturbed by the wannabe king once again violating the law and sending the military into another American city. This is not about public safety - it's about power. As Americans, we must all stand up and make clear that Trump is incorrect, our cities are not training grounds for the military.

"This is the fourth time that Trump has taken the extreme and dangerous move to send the military into an American city without the consent of state and local authorities. Once again, I remind Trump that our Constitution clearly sets up checks against exactly these types of excesses. Fearful of kings and occupying military forces, our Founders thought hard about how to ensure military forces were responsive to lawful, civilian control and not inappropriately used against their fellow citizens. For nearly 250 years, we've fought hard to make certain this remained true. It is disturbing that so many in power are allowing Trump to toss aside our country's hard-earned protections.

"The Founders made clear the distinction between presidents and kings. Presidents do not get personal militaries, dictators do.

"If he or Secretary Hegseth had any respect for the men and women in uniform, they would not order them to march against their fellow Americans.

"These actions are unacceptable and contrary to the democratic values our nation was founded upon. The American people must not stay silent in the face of Trump's unconstitutional actions. Our democracy depends on it."

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