By Marcus Hedahl and Bradley Jay Strawser
On the campaign trail, former President Donald Trump has declared there are serious threats to the United States. First, he said, there is “the outside enemy, and then we have the enemy from within, and the enemy from within, in my opinion, is more dangerous,” as he told Fox News in an Oct. 13, 2024, interview.
He went on to say that “the bigger problem are the people from within. We have some very bad people. We have some sick people, radical left lunatics. And I think. And it should be very easily handled by, if necessary, by National Guard or, if really necessary, by the military.”
When asked on CNN about Trump’s remarks about using the military on U.S. soil, Mark Esper, one of five people who led the Defense Department during Trump’s presidency, said Americans “should take those words seriously,” most especially because Trump had already tried to do so when he was president.
As professors of military ethics, we worry that Trump’s actions while president, and his comments about his plans for a potential second term, may put the military in a tough position. The July 1, 2024, Supreme Court ruling giving the president immunity for official acts – potentially including as commander in chief of the military – would make that tough position even more difficult.
Response to demonstrations
In the summer of 2020, protests, including some violent ones, arose in cities around the U.S. in the wake of the May 25 murder of George Floyd. Then-President Trump announced he was considering sending the U.S. military into the streets of several American cities. He had already deployed some National Guard members in Washington in an effort to control the demonstrations there.
At the time, the two of us considered the possibility of dissent within the military hierarchy, saying that resistance would be most effective “if it were to come from those at the top.”
Indeed, many of the highest-ranking generals, admirals and Cabinet-level advisers resisted Trump’s requests to send the military to “beat the f— out” of protesters and “crack their skulls” – or even “just shoot them.”
Though Trump reportedly wanted to bring as many as 10,000 soldiers to Washington, fewer troops were deployed in the nation’s capital. No federal military personnel were used against public demonstrations in the U.S. that summer. Some National Guard troops were called up by state governors, not federal orders.
The reasons for civilian control
For his potential second term, Trump says he wants to hire Cabinet and other government officials who will follow his orders without question, rather than people who might try to prevent his worst inclinations from being enacted.
Questions about dissent and disobedience will therefore likely fall on those at more junior levels of military service in a second Trump administration than they did in the first.
The U.S. military has long been dedicated to the principle of civilian control. To minimize the chance of the kind of military occupation they suffered during the Revolutionary War, the country’s founders wrote the Constitution requiring that the president, an elected civilian, would be the commander in chief of the military. In the wake of World War II, Congress went even further, restructuring the military and requiring that the secretary of defense be a civilian as well.
For that reason, in a time of increasing political polarization, military educational institutions are focusing even more explicitly on the oath military members take to the Constitution, rather than to a person or an office.
As the Joint Chiefs of Staff reminded the military after the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, and just before the inauguration of Joe Biden as president, military personnel serve the nation’s interests, not those of a politician or a political party.
Nonpartisanship could become partisan
When faced with a potential order to deploy the U.S. military within the nation’s borders, however, service members may find themselves in a situation where upholding the military’s tradition of staying out of politics could itself appear partisan.
Military members have a duty to obey orders from superior officers. But as military ethicists, we recognize that the content of an order is not the only factor that determines whether it is a moral one.
The political motivation for an order may be equally important. That’s because the military’s obligation to stay out of politics is deeply intertwined with the mutual obligation of civilian officials not to use the military for partisan reasons.
If an elected official were to attempt to use the military for obviously partisan ends, the decisions of military personnel to either follow the order or resist it would open them up to accusations of partisanship – even if their actions were attempts to protect the military’s strict partisan neutrality.
At the nation’s founding, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson worried about a military that would be loyal to a particular leader rather than to a form of government. James Madison was concerned that soldiers might be used by those in power as instruments of oppression against the citizenry.
Trump has said the National Guard or the military could “easily handle” political protesters. He has recommended one “really rough, nasty” hour of police violence to curb criminal activity. He has expressed a desire for military officers to be obedient to him and not the Constitution.
It’s not clear that military members could follow those kinds of orders and remain nonpartisan. By refusing to follow orders about military deployment to U.S. cities for political ends, members of the armed forces could actually be respecting, rather than undermining, the principle of civilian control. After all, the framers always intended it to be the people’s military – not the president’s.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Risks for military members
There is a long line of military heroes who had the moral courage not to follow immoral orders. In fact, it was a junior officer who first exposed the widespread use of torture in the global war on terror.
That particular example may be useful to consider in the weeks and months ahead, given the significant effort at the time to argue that some of those immoral orders could nonetheless be legal.
Recently, some of Trump’s former military advisers have raised concerns about the the potential use of U.S. troops in American cities. But several of his civilian advisers have already recommended being less reticent about finding legal means to deploy the military within the country. And a July 1, 2024, Supreme Court ruling gave the president criminal immunity for official acts – which almost certainly include giving orders to the military.
Regardless of who wins the 2024 presidential election, there will likely be significant protests over policy – perhaps even over the results themselves. If the military is ever called in because of those actions, military members would have to consider whether they could ethically follow the orders to do so. To be ready to answer these important questions, they have to consider them now.
We often ask our students to imagine themselves in numerous different ethical situations, both real and hypothetical. In the present circumstance, we believe one set of ethical questions could quickly become very concrete for those serving:
“Would you obey an order from a president – a particular president giving an order for a particular reason – to deploy to a U.S. city? What might it mean for the nation if you did? And what might it mean for American democracy if, in some circumstances, you were brave enough not to?”
Many Americans claim to venerate military men and women, thanking them for their service and standing to celebrate them at sporting events. They may need much more support than that from the American people, and soon.
The academic views expressed in this article are the views of the authors alone and should not be read as endorsing any candidate for office. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Naval Postgraduate School, the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense or any other entity within the U.S. government; the authors are not authorized to provide any official position of these entities.
Marcus Hedahl is Professor of Philosophy at the United States Naval Academy. Bradley Jay Strawser is Professor of Philosophy at the Naval Postgraduate School.
Laurel says
This is the question I have had, since we know Trump would use the military for his own personal persecution of those who disagree with him. I did ask a family friend, who is in the military, and he firmly believes such actions would not be carried out by the military. I believe that too, as Trump would be telling these soldiers to incite a civil war. They would be told to fight their families, friends and neighbors. Something that Trump has no conscience about.
Jeani Whitemoon Duarte says
Harrassment would do that before Trump ever would!
Trump is proven for the people!
Sherry says
@jeani. . . You do realize twice impeached trump is a “Convicted Felon” for falsifying business records, who has also been found “Guilty” of “Sexual Assault and of Defaming His Victim”, and who has been “Indicted” for “Inciting an Insurrection” against our democracy, right? Please do tell us precisely how trump is “proven for the people” Please post links to “Credentialed Facts” only.
Jeani. . . if you are not able to “provide facts” that “criminal” trump is better qualified than Kamala Harris, we will all know that you are nothing more than an unthinking/brainwashed by Fox maga cult member.
Thanks! I’ll look forward to your response.
FAFA says
Do you know how Kamala got to where she is now?! It definitely isn’t because she is intelligent. Laying on her back or on her knees
Laurel says
FAFA: That’s a nasty lie, and I’m surprised it’s allowed here. Kamala Harris was voted Attorney General of a state of 40,000,000 people.
Why must you lie, and why must you be so nasty? I question your intelligence, as so far, you have proven to have very little.
If you hate women so much, stay away from them. Do us all a favor.
Skibum says
That’s ok, Laurel, we’re all ignoring the musings of this imbecilic, toxic man. He probably thinks the same about you and all other women in this world, because he obviously is one of those uneducated, misogynistic, sex perverted, pseudo-masculine types who view the female species as sex objects to be used, misused and tossed aside for their own gratification and enjoyment, nothing more. Thankfully, they are in the minority, and should be summarily dismissed and urged to go hide back under the rock they emerged from.
Amy says
Lol hahahaha …I hope you enjoy the next four years!!!
Sherry says
@fafa. . . your lying, disgusting, low life, filthy, sexist comment apparently reflects what kind of person you are. . . deplorable!
Amy says
And your comment showed anything else? Lol. Remember this is you ever need medical help… You never know who is taking care of you .. More than likely… It’s a trumper. Have a great day
Sherry says
@jeani. . . U am still waiting for your reply. Post those “credible facts”! So far, I’ve seen nothing intelligent from you!
BTW. . . same for you maga!
Sherry says
OOPS! Jeani. . . “I” am still waiting for your reply. What? You’ve no “credible facts”??? Surprise! Surprise! Radicalized Mindless cult member extraordinaire.
Amy says
Here’s your fact …Trump wins!!!! Lol, hahaha
Amy says
@sherri…. Where are you at now?! You had so much to say before!!! Must be packing your bags with embarrassment
Sherry says
@amy. . . Why I was busy enjoying my 6 week holiday in Europe. And, yes, I have been packing my bags after visiting Paris and Venice, and dining out with friends. Thank you amy. I must say, I’m not the least bit embarrassed to be very happily retired in gorgeous Sausalito California. You see amy, I actually live in a “fact filled” reality. My spouse, friends and neighbors are all college educated. Many are retired professionals who are open minded, compassionate, kind and caring. We are a pretty happy, highly principled, bunch honest, ethical, responsible, law abiding, well traveled, mentally healthy and cultured.
What about you amy? Are you so far gone that you are proud that you supported a “Convicted Criminal” and “Guilty Sexual Abuser” to be the President of our country? If so, how very, very pathetic and sad for you amy!
FlaPharmTech says
“For the people” – you are referring to the uber wealthy and corporations, right?!
Deborah Coffey says
Well, he’s a proven convicted felon, adjudicated tax fraud and, according to a judge…a RAPIST. If that’s what you call “proven for the people” then I guess the world you live in differs from mine.
palm coast vet says
As a retired navy vet. We are told that no one can follow an unlawful order.
That’s why Trump didn’t use the military on January 6.
Think about it.
Jeani Whitemoon Duarte says
You are so right! And funny how our boarders have been over ran. It was a ridiculous order to just let them in but yet those in charge of protecting our boarders did what they were told rather than what they were hired to do. Insane!
FlaPharmTech says
I suspect you have doubts about trump. I’ll give you a free clue why immigrants, who flee their birth country in desperation in the hopes of escaping marginal lives to live in the USA of promise, are VITAL to the USA economy, let alone our fundamental values; would you pick produce in the Florida heat for pitiful pay?! And much of those earnings is sent back to support family! They are not the threat, trump et al IS the threat from within.
Grow a heart, tinman.
FlaPharmTech says
Jeani, really read the comment to which you exuberantly replied. Guess you didn’t “think about it”?
FlaPharmTech says
Its “borders” BTW.
Mothersworry says
Sorta ironic that trump insults and degrades the military and those who served. Yet he would call on the military in an attempt intimidate the public that he is supposed to represent.
As somebody else mentioned, it has to be a lawful order.
It is starting to look like he may be headed to jail. One can only hope.
MAGA says
Proud to have voted for President Donald Trump….your words didn’t change my mind.
Deborah Coffey says
Do you have a mind?
Deport the gop says
Clearly not, I’m sure no amount of truth or evidence can change your mind.
MAGA says
Yes and a Master’s Degree too. Look at you insulting people that don’t agree with you. Millions of us want Trump as our President and you can’t stand that. Please notice I didn’t insult you back. Sheesh.
FlaPharmTech says
Touche’, you’re undoubtedly the minority in the ilk of trump supporters.
Laurel says
MAGA: Insults are better than threatening people with imprisonment, or death, for disagreeing as Trump has done.
While studying for your masters, did you not study history?
Just out of curiosity, what does your masters cover?
How is it you do not see the obvious? Does Trump’s rhetoric sound like positive, uplifting speech to you?
Please tell me, specially, how Trump has been “proven for the people.” He is a blatant narcissist, who are known to not have empathy for others, but manipulate others for their own benefit.
Please answer, because you are a true bafflement to me.
Skibum says
When I first went into law enforcement another rookie was delighted to let the rests of us know that he had a Masters Degree, in psychology. I have to tell you, he was one of the dumbest, no common sense airheads many of us had ever had the displeasure to work with! And he didn’t last long either. Who knows what he later decided to do with his life… I hope he figured it out. Just goes to show that some people can be textbook smart and still be worldly stupid.
Sherry says
@maga. . . you actually “insult” your own education by supporting a “Convicted Felon and Sexual Abuser” for President of our country!
Sherry says
@Deborah. . . I’ll say a big “NO” to that one!
FlaPharmTech says
I am sad for you and your “patriots”; you’ve been indoctrinated into the most insidious cult to ever exist. When Harris/Walz win we of sane mind still have a lot of work to accomplish.
Laurel says
By the way, the three Supreme Court Judges, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsauch and Samuel Alito, need to be dismissed from duty.
John bertolacci says
Laurel
I disagree, the president should be immune when exercising his/her “official duties “. Unfortunately the Supreme Court should have defined them and not let the lower courts to do that. I read thru the constitution and it really say much.
Laurel, I didn’t vote for him. I want my party back and the only way is to vote for a democrat.
Laurel says
A President should not have “total immunity.” That’s what authoritarians have. Your belief puts the President above the law.
I truly hope you do get your party back. It has been highjacked by a sociopath, who should not have ultimate power. That is not what our country is about.
Good luck, and don’t give up! We need balance, and the voices of the many, not the one.
John Bertolacci says
What if the Supreme Court ruled that a sitting president has no immunity what so ever?
They ruled immunity only when executing their constitutional duties. Trump standing before a mob and suggesting insurrection is not what I would call official duty under our constitution. When he allowed the rioting to continue was in violation of his constitutional duties.
John Bertolacci says
Laurel
This is the actual ruling,
https://d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/static/2024/07/scotus_immunity-7-1.pdf
Hopefully, the Orange Man will lose decisively today.
Wallingford says
Donald Trump wants his own private army. He wants a scenario, like North Korea and China, whereby the Generals carry out his every command blindly. He praised Hitler’s Generals. If he doesn’t find support in the regular Military he certainly will in some of the militias that are sympathetic to his cause. Unbridled force will be the cornerstone of his administration. And your Republican lawmakers will not vote against him.
FlaPharmTech says
He wants Nazi Germany resurrected. Not in the mood to be polite; apologies to any who are offended, but LOOK LISTEN to trump. I’m of German descent. My mom was a child in Germany during World War II. She supports trump. It breaks my heart.
oldtimer says
In case anyone forgot, Trump was president, and he did not use the military to arrest anyone, why would it be different now?
Sherry says
@oldtimer. . . because trump is now saying so all the time! Also, during his last term he had hundreds of trained, expert, experienced civil servants who provided the “guard rails” that kept him from being the absolute ruler and dictator he now aspires to. Read “Project 2025” which has a plan for how trump will fire thousands of those life long experts and install only those loyal to trump. With the extreme right winged Supreme Court and Congress there will likely be NO ONE to stop him. “Convicted Criminal” trump must not be allowed to have such power again!
Really “Think” about this BEFORE you vote!
Saving the union says
Trump had uniformed troopers with no insignia or name tagsto identify who they were in DC and a couple of other major cities during protests. He wanted Gen. Milley to deploy the military during BLM protests. Who are you kidding! He’s a danger and would deploy military. How do one decide a lawful order when you are down with him?
oldtimer says
do you hear yourself …. uniformed troopers BTW the union is already saved
Sherry says
@old timer. . . please read a summary of Project 2025 and “think independently. . . beyond Fox” before you vote.
FlaPharmTech says
His “army” heeded his call on January 6th. Just a gentle reminder. His army killed, his army threatened the very core of our democracy. We will.win.blue!
Laurel says
Trump wanted to shoot protesters, and our experienced professionals stopped him. He will replace our generals and experts with ass suckers who will not stop him.
Believe it.
Pogo says
@History repeats
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_concentration_camps
floriduh man rising…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_book_burnings
Jeani Duarte says
Trump is right!
And your stories are so misleading!
TRUMP 2024 !!!!
FlaPharmTech says
Again, I am so sorry you’ve been indoctrinated to the trump cult. Please switch off Fox news. Then again, I do give you kudos for reading the exceptional flaglerLIVE. Grow and vote Blue cuz trump is the American Hitler.
Laurel says
“Trump is right!”
“They are eating the dogs. They are eating the cats. They are eating the pets of the people who live there.” ” Where did the geese go.”
Looking at a photo of EG Carroll, Trump said ” That’s my wife [Marla Maples].” Talking about EG Carroll, he said “She’s not my type.” So, she was not worthy of rape since she’s not his type?
Oh dear God, I could go on forever since he has been documented with over 30,000 lies, yet you will say he’s right.
Where did your minds go?
Really, seriously, how do you MAGAs rationalize this dangerous nonsense?
Deport republicans says
No matter what trump showed us how many ignorant racist people there are among us. Can’t wait for his concession speech and jail time.
FlaPharmTech says
Well, he won’t concede but jail time is likely. Vote Blue for Harris/Walz!
Al says
If you had comprehensive skills you would have seen he said against cartels and gang members whom are here illegally. The left can’t twist things enough to satisfy themselves. Too bad most everyone has made up their minds and your bullshit won’t change any of that.
Laurel says
Al: If you had comprehensive skills you would understand that Harris actually prosecuted drug cartel criminals while Trump demonizes legal, working Haitians, causing them to receive death threats and causing Springfield dangerous mayhem. You know, in the very state Vance represents, and who admitted he lied to get attention.
Come on, enough already! I’m sorry, but it just makes people who follow this creep look stupid. It’s like y’all have no interest in reality, and just shut your eyes and dream of fantasies. Therein lies the “twist.”
Amy says
Why is Flagler so anti Trump. Flagler live makes it very obvious. GO TRUMP!! I personally want my life back like it was four years ago.
Pierre Tristam says
Amy, Flagler County will vote for Trump by a 60 to 70 percent margin. The only thing FL does is remind you that we are not a totalitarian society (yet). Even minorities matter, as your Dear Leader appear not to think (assuming generously that he ever thinks). As it is, come Election Day, you will get your wish and then some: we will not only go back four years, but more like 60 or 70.
MAGA says
This is a description of a journalist….take note of the word UNBIASED!
What is the role of a journalist?
A Journalist, or Reporter, is responsible for researching and writing informational news articles and stories about real events using a fair and unbiased perspective. Their duties include interviewing experts, gathering first-hand accounts of events and organizing an outline into a cohesive, interesting story.
How can anyone take this paper seriously when you insist on only publishing stories that support your point of view?
Pierre Tristam says
Fair-minded academic accuracy is hardly an I researched point of view. Count the links and documentation. Unfamiliar to you, I know, but you gotta start somewhere.
FlaPharmTech says
Hi there, MAGA. My career was at The Palm Beach Post. I know solid, truthful, fact based journalism. FlaglerLive delivers on journalistic integrity.
Jeani Whitemoon Duarte says
I agree!
FlaPharmTech says
Hi MAGA. Flaglerlive upholds journalistic standards. I’m curious why you log on if you don’t believe it so? To incite a fight perhaps??? We go high when you go low. Peace.
Robjr says
Pierre,
You are engaged in the proverbial “whistling Dixie” by trying to use logic and facts when interacting with a Maga.
The only words they comprehend is the gibberish from the YMCA dancing, bing, bing, bing man while he is talking about nonsensical subjects including his newly found weave.
Anyone who believes that foolishness is as far out to lunch as their role model is.
FAFO says
As an educated open heart nurse, I do a lot of research. Do any of you really know Kamala?! I think you need a lunch!
Amy says
What are you even talking about? All of you are so weird. Kamala got to where she is because of her abilities of laying on her back and on her knees… Not from her intellectual abilities. Her celebrity support looks like a P Diddy party. I accept everyone the way they are or want to pretend to be…I don’t care! Even those that aren’t well educated… Such as yourself❤️
Pierre Tristam says
This comment runs afoul of every standard under the sun, including the commenter’s own (” I accept everyone the way they are or want to pretend to be…”) but it’s just too emblematic of the degeneracy of our age not to put out there, as a mjuseum piece for future ages.
Laurel says
I find it sickening, but it does show just how women are hated, still, in this country, and in this day and age.
I have listened to Trump, and he says very little other than nasty name calling and empty promises with no real plans. “Childcare is childcare” is Trump’s plan. He brags about his “weave.” What person can actually believe that?
I have listened to Harris, who speaks with intelligence, not “weave” nonsense, and has plans that can be researched. She wants individuals from the opposition party in her cabinet. She is backed by Nobel Laureates, Military Generals, Republicans who have worked for Trump, and other Republicans who do not want Trump to destroy democracy.
But I hear talking points from these Trumpers, showing me they have no interest in facts. The lie about Harris has showed up here, verbatim, twice so far in this comment section alone, by different people. They are absorbing, and passing on the lie. Somehow, it makes them feel better about themselves.
Especially, these women who are telling their daughters they do not equate to a liar con man, is sickening. These women are telling little girls the only way they can possibly get ahead is on their backs or on their knees. It’s disgusting, but that’s their preference. I just wish they would not push it on us, and the little girls in this country.
I wish this country would get back on track and leave all this horrific lying and nasty name calling, and threatening of lives, behind. It’s just horrible!
Sherry says
@amy. . . and, this LYING, vile, disgusting comment coming from a female! Where is your shame? Where is your support of educated professional women? Change the channel from the BS on Fox. . . you have obviously been radicalized into the mindless maga “cult”!
Either post “credible facts”. . . not filthy, demented, chauvinistic “rumors” for your outrageous, ridiculous LIES or we will all know just how far gone from reality you really are!
Amy says
Ma’am, I am an educated woman ..RN with a bachelor’s degree…I do research, not listen to little clips taken apart to show what you you are seeing. I’m sorry for you and the fact that you have to look at “being a female”. I’m where I’m at in life because of hard work and sacrifices. I know what I voted for ..Do you?
Sherry says
@ amy. . . again, where is the “credentialed evidence” to prove the vile lies you told about Kamala Harris? If you are so very educated, certainly you could find those facts, right? Also, educated amy. . . is your grammar checked broken?
Sherry says
grammar “checker”. . . is it broken amy?
JimboXYZ says
Most want it back like it was 5+ years ago, late 2019-2020 was the year of the Democrat party coup of the sitting POTUS. Nothing changed in 2024, they even removed their own in Biden as their election incumbent for his apprentice/intern for obvious reasons. Circumvented holding a Democratic Primary vote. Now, go be a good little registered Democrat voter & vote for who they told you to vote for ? Apparently their own opinions made in a voting process on who should represent the DNC in a Democracy that they saved from Trump & for the USA for it’s citizens ? Rings hollow doesn’t it ? Calling R’s Nazi’s when the DC Swamp of Nazi’s are running the show the last 4 years.
FlaPharmTech says
Thank you! Proud to be a Flagler anti trump Dem! Love, love, love your endorsement! Your life will improve with Kamala at the helm, have no fear.
Auto correct changed “trump” to “shrimp” and I’m shrimply feeling it.
Laurel says
If the shrimp fits…
The dude says
4 years ago I couldn’t buy toilet paper and I was hoarding ammo while my “president” was telling me to drink bleach and stick lightbulbs up my ass… don’t even get me started on Ivermectin… MAGAs were literally dying from ingesting fish tank cleaner because the internets told them too instead of trusting doctors or science.
MAGAs are so weird.
Momma Mia says
You do know that he created this mess the first time, righ? His Covid policy or kack there of, should be enough to change your minds
Downtown says
President Reagan said it correctly, “The problem with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, it’s just that they know so much that isn’t so”.
Pierre Tristam says
This from the guy who thought he was liberating death camps by mistaking a movie set for the real thing.
Tomas says
The funny part is I want one Trump support to actually mention based on facts what his “plan” is. YOU can’t, you know why, because he hasn’t stated anything in reality about anything. Instead he rambles on long winding stories that make no sense and then just ends it with I’ll make America great. Every rally every time. And when he isn’t doing that he is just belittling his opponents in a crude and derogating way. He also has already complained that if he loses its cause they are cheating.
The last time I heard that was from my children when they were immature little kids. They would whine about others and what they had vs what they had and complain if they are about to lose saying that the other person cheated. This shows his metal aptitude, that of a whiney, bratty child.
The only thing he has mentioned is imposing Tariffs on other nations. This has proven to be wrong and even the Wall Street Journal the most popular conservative media out there has put this video out, saying that it isn’t an answer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-eHOSq3oqI
There was another person who had similar plans, Ross Perot. Remember that guy. His idea to get rid of the drug problem was to bring in the military, coordinate off neighborhoods and search homes. Sound familiar….
No man, should have the right to say what a women does or doesn’t due to her body, let alone need anyone to protect them on their behalf without consent. But then again he is the same guy that said all you have to do is walk up to a women and “grab them by the PU***”. Yeah, that guy, who the people blindly follow without anything.
This guy has destroyed lively hoods, which is documented, has no business ethics, only cares about himself and has not said one thing on what he will do for YOU, except that he will make other people pay and even more, the people within… THAT IS YOU….
Jeani Whitemoon Duarte says
His Plan is to fix what Biden and Harrassment jacked up! They have all but started ww111. We are over ran by other countries. Our cost of living, health care and food quality are terrible! His plan covers all the crap needing to be fixed.
Laurel says
Jeani W D: Start watching money shows instead of the far right propaganda. It shows you don’t know what’s happening in the world.
The market doesn’t like instability, and Trump is the epitome of instability.
Laurel says
Thank you Tomas, for logic and reasoning.
I have yet to see any MAGA rationally explain Trump’s talk and behavior, because they can’t. There are no facts or statistics to show what Trump claims is true.
I believe that many people become stuck at an age in their life where they find it nearly impossible to face facts and move on. When you talk to different people, you can often see the age they are stuck at. Trump is stuck around 10 years of age, as an unconfident bully. Add to that, narcissism, and, at a minimum, borderline personality. I’m being generous here. He does not have a rational, intelligent fully formed personality, in my opinion.
Those who are stuck as well, and cannot align themselves with facts and logic, join in and jump on the Trump train. Emotions from the past fuel this train.
Laurel says
I should not say there are no facts or statistics to Trump’s claims, but I can surely say that any facts and stats are very few and far in between.
Amy says
Can you tell me one thing… What is Kamala’s greatest accomplishment? Instead of bashing the opponent…. Tell me about her? What has she achieved and accomplished?
Laurel says
Amy: I’m glad you asked.
https://worldhistoryedu.com/kamala-harris-major-achievements/
Read the whole thing.
Sherry says
@ amy. . . We all know that you really DON”T want to know these “Facts”. . . you will not find them on BS Fox. This took me about 30 seconds:
Legislative and Policy Leadership
Set a new record for the most tie-breaking Senate votes cast by a VP in history
Expanded the Child Tax Credit to cut child poverty in half
Provided $450 billion in relief to 6 million small businesses
Sponsored legislation to expand and strengthen Social Security
Led the push for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act, federal worker unionization, and overtime pay for farm workers
Healthcare and Public Health
Led the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis
Created the first-ever federal health and safety requirements for maternal emergency services in hospitals
Extended postpartum Medicaid coverage from 2 to 12 months to provide lifesaving coverage in 46 states
Connected 38,000 people to free 24/7 support with the new National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Shut down scam healthcare websites
Sued drug companies for unlawful drug pricing and marketing tactics
Allowed Medicare to negotiate lower drug costs, expected to save taxpayers $6 billion
Capped the cost of insulin to $35/month for seniors
Voted against Trump’s budget cuts to Medicare and Medicaid
Reproductive Rights
Stood up for reproductive rights during Trump’s Supreme Court nominees’ confirmation hearings
Launched a national reproductive rights tour, becoming the first VP to visit a reproductive health clinic
Climate and Energy
Invested $370 billion to combat climate change and expand energy production
Economic Justice and Consumer Protection
Won $20 billion settlement for homeowners during the foreclosure crisis
Took on for-profit colleges that scammed Americans
Took on big corporations that took advantage of working people
Introduced a student loan forgiveness program for mental health professionals
Won settlements from companies that underpaid workers and violated labor laws
Announced administration’s plans to remove medical debt from credit reports
Protected seniors from fraud and abuse
Gun Violence Prevention
Oversees the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Stopped nearly 30,000 firearms sales to convicted domestic abusers
Closed the gun show loophole to ensure sellers conduct background checks
Led the fight to pass a red flag law
Global Leadership and Diplomacy
Strengthened global alliances by meeting with more than 150 world leaders
Kept Americans safe while serving on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
Judiciary and Legal Leadership
Oversaw the country’s largest state justice department
Prosecuted transnational gangs, the drug cartels and human traffickers
Presided over the vote to confirm Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
Voted to confirm more women and people of color to make the judiciary look more like America
Officiated some of the nation’s first same-sex marriages
Amy says
@sherry…. Where are you now?? You had so much to say before. Haha… Hopefully packing your bags
JimboXYZ says
In the past week, we had a mass shooting in Orlando, FL for Halloween festivities carried out by several teens (1 18 yom the other 5 16/17 yo HS aged kids, 1 of the perps, not even enrolled in a HS from news reports). We had a UF vs UGA football game in Jacksonville, FL where JSO officers beat down several UF fans. Sometimes the military will be required to maintain order when the masses of idiots can’t behave in a civilized manner. Somehow Trump is the problem, it’s never Biden nor Harris, even Walz. We’ve been doing it the Biden-Harris way for 4 years and it’s a mess of underfunded failures that simply are ideologically flawed. Imagine if National Guard presence happened in 2020 & on J6 ? For some Americans, not the majority, the context is, they need to have what Democrats have spun into the concept of a Nazi-like military presence to maintain order. Here’s another example, shortly after TS Helene flooded Asheville, NC, the National Guard presence there was to maintain order. Apparently, looting became a fashionable trend there Are we to assume that because the National Guard was there to maintain order that somehow that is the Biden-Harris Gestapo ? It certainly isn’t the Trump-Vance Gestapo that the Democrats think will happen in 2025-2028 ?
Pierre Tristam says
The military is never required to handle civil disorder. The moment we go down that path, we are no longer a civil, let alone a democratic, society. “The masses of idiots” who “can’t behave in a civilized manner” are those who order the military to attack its own, and those in the military who follow such orders.
Jim says
While I don’t believe the rank and file military personnel would be too keen on deploying in the US and rounding up anyone, I do think it is quite possible for Trump to do this if he wants.
First, he’ll dismiss the key generals and admirals that either outright refuse such orders or that he knows will not carry them out. Then he’ll appoint those officers in the various services that he knows will act on his orders. And I believe there are officers that will do that. For example, Michael Flynn, Trump’s original National Security advisor, was a general prior to that who Trump had to fire due to his undisclosed foreign ties. Flynn’s brother is also a general who was involved in the greatly delayed deployment of National Guard troops on January 6. I have no doubt there are some officers who would want to do this. So he’ll put them in place and then proceed with his plan.
I believe many – if not all – general officers have to be approved through the Senate. So one barrier to this plan would be if the Democrats keep control of the Senate. If they don’t approve the officer (assuming it’s a promotion), it’s a stalemate although Trump can put them in the new position “temporarily” while the Senate considers it.
Bottom line is that Trump could probably attempt to do this. However, I think it will stir up an uproar in this nation that he may not be able to withstand. You can scream “lock’em up” all you want but even our military can’t lock up half the country.
I do think that if this is attempted, at a minimum, it will severely damage our military. The level of division and lack of trust this would put on most officers and enlisted will cause a severe degradation in our capabilities. And what a time in world history for that to happen….
I just hope Kamala Harris wins outright and this is a non-issue.
Jack Howell says
I was a career military officer. I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic…..No where in this oath of office did I take an oath to an individual!
As retired officer drawing retirement pay, I am still subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. I will not follow an unlawful order!
DMFrancis says
You are a good man, Jack Howell. You’ve served your country AND our community, especially young people. I come from generations of military, women included, and I will never in my lifetime understand how anyone who has raised their hand and taken the oath will support someone who dodged the draft and called POW’s and KIA’s suckers and losers. It sickens me. Thank you for setting an example. And thank you for your many years of service as one of the good guys.
Judith G. Michaud says
Sadly, people that are voting for Trump are voting on his scare tactic lies! There are no open borders, people are no eating cats and dogs and illegals do not get any benefits! I cannot for the life of me imagine anyone in their right mind voting for Trump! Do they have amnesia? He is a convicted criminal and sexual offender, and he tried to overthrow a fair election by the people. The other day at one of his rallies he used a microphone in a lewd way! Is this what our kids are supposed to look up to? This is telling our kids they can commit crimes and still be president! The thing that sickens me the most is the thought of his disgusting little hand on the Bible! He laughs at Christians and doesn’t even go to church! This is our Democracy which is at stake! It is not about Red verses Blue ! It is about good versus evil and the morality of America! It is just unbelievable what some have chosen to do to our next generation!
HayRide says
on this note “No man, should have the right to say what a woman does or doesn’t due to her body, let alone need anyone to protect them on their behalf without consent.
is that Harris commercial accurate when an interviewers ask if women should be punished. and the screen flips to Trump saying yes they must be punished. Who in their right mind would ever say such a thing?
Laurel says
Read the whole interview where Trump states there should be punishment, but tries to dodge the answer by bringing the interviewer’s religious beliefs into it, where the interviewer explains his belief is not the question, and he is not running for President, whereas Trump is.
https://www.politifact.com/article/2016/mar/31/context-transcript-donald-trump-punishing-women-ab/
The punishment, to be determined, is not an answer.
Skibum says
Well folks, here we are. Today is the day America learns the result of it’s IQ test.
Amy says
I hope all of you who have talked this non sense enjoy your next four years. I hear Russia is beautiful this time of year…
Pogo says
@As stated
@History repeats
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_concentration_camps
floriduh man rising…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_book_burnings
the great decline says
haha great job merica we gave nuclear codes to a convicted conman traitor. This should be like watching dumpster fire. The world knows without a doubt merica cannot be trusted.