The Trump administration has intensified its military response in American cities, launching coordinated operations in Portland and Chicago over the weekend.
In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump has dispatched hundreds of California National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, citing the need to manage civil unrest.
More than 100 soldiers from California began arriving in Portland on Saturday night, prompting swift opposition from state governors.
Oregon’s Governor Tina Kotek and California’s Governor Gavin Newsom have both condemned the deployment.
Governor Newsom described the action as a “breathtaking abuse of the law and power by the President of the United States,” warning that America may be on the verge of martial law.
In Portland, Governor Kotek filed a lawsuit against the federal government’s actions, claiming they infringe upon Oregon’s sovereign rights under the 10th Amendment.
Federal Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, agreed, ruling that the claim of Portland being under siege by left-wing ‘Antifa terrorists’ is “simply untethered to the facts.”
She emphasized the long-standing tradition of resistance to government overreach and military intrusion in civil affairs, underscoring that America operates under constitutional law, not martial law.
Following her ruling, Immergut made a drastic move, issuing a new order that prohibits any California or other National Guard troops from being brought to Portland, stating it contradicted her earlier decision.
In a parallel development, military operations were initiated in Chicago, where Secretary of War Pete Hegseth mobilized 400 members of the Texas National Guard for deployment in Illinois, along with potential deployments to Oregon and other locations across the U.S.
Trump has already federalized 300 soldiers from the Illinois National Guard, allegedly to secure an ICE detention center in Broadview, a suburb of Chicago.
Tensions escalated further in Chicago when ICE agents opened fire on demonstrators, claiming they were attempting to block access to the detention facility.
One woman was injured during the incident and subsequently arrested by the FBI, while the Department of Homeland Security alleged that she possessed a firearm—a claim not substantiated by the charges filed against her.
White House advisor Stephen Miller, known for his hardline stance, framed Immergut’s ruling as an act of “legal insurrection,” asserting that the President is the rightful commander-in-chief.
Miller pushed the narrative that local Portland authorities have failed to support ICE amid a supposed terrorist assault, blatantly suggesting that only federal troops can protect the nation from this perceived threat.
The rhetoric coming from the White House has resembled that of a civil war, with vocal support for the use of federal authority to quash perceived insurrection.
Plans have reportedly surfaced within the Trump administration for possible deployments of active-duty military forces, including discussions about leveraging the elite 82nd Airborne Division in Portland.
A leaked conversation between aides to Miller and Hegseth indicated that there is concern about public backlash should the situation escalate to violence involving military personnel.
In stark contrast, the Democratic Party’s response appears to lack urgency amid this serious constitutional crisis.
Governor Newsom’s alarming remarks about the threat of martial law were not accompanied by substantial calls for action.
In Illinois, Governor J.B. Pritzker condemned Trump’s words as treasonous but failed to propose any concrete measures.
The Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, referred to the government shutdown as a typical budgetary conflict rather than recognizing it as part of a broader movement toward authoritarianism.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed Schumer, emphasizing healthcare protectiveness rather than addressing the gravity of the Trump administration’s actions.
Senator Bernie Sanders went so far as to commend January 6 coup supporter Josh Hawley for his healthcare-related proposal, highlighting a troubling complacency among Democrats.
This political atmosphere raises critical questions about the responsibility of congressional leaders in addressing an overreach of executive power.
Despite widespread concerns about Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, there has been no serious movement within the Democratic Party to impeach the President or Vice President JD Vance for their actions.
As the Trump administration’s actions resonate across the nation, the potential for a significant backlash from the populace remains palpable.
Mass demonstrations under the banner of “No Kings” have been organized for October 18, with over 2,100 rallies expected nationwide.
Previous “No Kings” protests saw millions of participants and reflected a profound discontent with the current administration and its policies.
However, amidst this growing dissent, the working class must find a political direction to match the scale of the situation.
The Socialist Equality Party has underscored the necessity of recognizing that the Trump administration’s maneuvers represent an assault on constitutional democracy.
Their September 19 statement expressed that the events unfolding cannot be dismissed as typical political conflict but rather symbolize a move towards a presidential dictatorship.
President Trump and his administration, many believe, feel emboldened by their actions, positioning themselves as defenders against a so-called internal enemy.
Many perceive that the escalating federal military presence represents a strategy to provoke further civil unrest, leading to a more authoritarian response from the government.
With a backdrop of government shutdowns, the administration is using economic hardships to consolidate power, threatening social safety nets and disenfranchising vulnerable populations.
Reports indicate that sweeping cuts to Social Security disability benefits may soon follow, jeopardizing the livelihoods of over 750,000 Americans.
The Democrats have been criticized for mirroring the interests of the same Wall Street and military elites that support Trump’s agenda.
Amidst all this, the Socialist Equality Party has called for the establishment of rank-and-file committees in workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods to unify opposition against the dictatorship.
These committees aim to bring together all sectors of the working class to forge a collective response against the current administration and the broader capitalist framework supporting such actions.
The call for international solidarity is also paramount, as many workers globally are taking action against repressive regimes.
The IWA-RFC is working to connect struggles across borders, recognizing that local movements are part of a global fight against oppression and capitalism.
Demonstrations across the globe—such as the mass protests in Europe over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—highlight the international resonance of these issues.
To challenge the encroaching dictatorship represented by the Trump administration, there must be a concerted movement among workers and youth advocating for socialism and addressing societal needs over profits.
In these crucial times, the Socialist Equality Party urges all individuals who are concerned about the development of authoritarian rule to join their ranks in the fight for justice.
image source from：wsws
