Senate to Grill Military Leaders on Trump’s National Guard Use

UPDATE: A crucial hearing is set for Thursday as the Senate Armed Services Committee prepares to question military leaders over President Donald Trump’s controversial deployment of the National Guard in U.S. cities. This extraordinary session comes amid mounting legal challenges and public outcry regarding the use of the military on American soil.

The hearing, scheduled for November 19, 2020, marks the first time senators will scrutinize the legality of these military actions, which have often been met with resistance from local officials, including mayors and governors. This pivotal moment follows a series of legal setbacks for Trump, intensifying the scrutiny of his administration’s military policies.

Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a combat veteran and member of the Illinois National Guard, has vowed to push for accountability. She stated, “Donald Trump is illegally deploying our nation’s service members under misleading if not false pretexts.” Duckworth has indicated that if Republican leadership continues to block this hearing, she may hold up the annual defense bill.

The urgency of this situation is underscored by the tragic shooting of two members of the West Virginia National Guard in Washington just blocks from the White House. Spc. Sarah Beckstrom tragically died on November 27, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains hospitalized. This incident raises serious questions about the safety and readiness of National Guard members deployed under contentious circumstances.

Trump has justified the National Guard’s presence in urban areas as necessary for supporting federal law enforcement, protecting federal facilities, and combating crime. However, Duckworth argues that these deployments deviate from traditional roles, which typically involve responding to natural disasters rather than assisting in immigration enforcement. She is particularly concerned about the potential legal ramifications for Guard members involved in controversial operations, including detainments that could lead to civilian harm.

The legal landscape is shifting, as a federal judge in California has ordered the Trump administration to cease the deployment of the California National Guard in Los Angeles, returning control to state officials. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer granted a preliminary injunction but paused its enforcement until November 23 to allow for an appeal from the White House.

This unprecedented move by Trump to activate over 4,000 California National Guard troops without Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval reflects a significant escalation in federal powers and has drawn sharp criticism. The troops were initially deployed to assist with immigration enforcement, marking a departure from the National Guard’s typical disaster response role.

As the Senate hearing approaches, attention turns to the implications of these military actions on states’ rights, public safety, and the integrity of the National Guard. Lawmakers are expected to demand clarity on the operational protocols for these deployments and their impact on troop readiness and community relations.

With heightened tensions surrounding the use of the National Guard under Trump’s administration, the nation watches closely as senators prepare to hold military leaders accountable. The outcomes of this hearing could have lasting effects on military policy and civil liberties across the United States.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.