A new CBS News poll reveals the majority of Americans oppose Trump’s National Guard deployment to cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. Learn what citizens really think about the use of military troops in US cities.
A recent poll has shed light on what American citizens think about President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to US cities. Cities like Los Angeles, Washington, and most recently, Chicago, have seen National Guard troops sent to assist local law enforcement in handling violent protests and unrest.
Over the weekend, Trump confirmed the deployment of 300 National Guard members to Chicago, citing “ongoing violent riots and lawlessness” in the city. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated, “President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities.”
In a speech led by military officials, Trump praised the National Guard for their efforts in Washington, D.C., and discussed the broader role of the military in supporting law enforcement domestically. Earlier this year, 1,700 National Guard soldiers were deployed across the country to assist ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.
Public Opinion on Military Deployment
While President Trump supports the use of the National Guard in US cities, a newly published CBS News poll indicates that the majority of Americans disagree with his approach. According to the poll:
58% of Americans are opposed to the National Guard being deployed to cities across the country.
61% of Americans object to the deployment of active-duty soldiers to US cities, while 39% support it.
The divide is stark among political parties. Among Republican voters, 79% support the deployment of active-duty US military troops to cities, while only 21% are opposed. In contrast, 92% of Democrat voters oppose the deployment, with just 8% in favor. Independent voters also largely disapprove, with 70% against the move and 30% in support.
Trump’s Stand on ‘Unsafe’ Cities
President Trump has previously expressed his concerns about Democrat-led cities, calling them “unsafe places” and promising to “straighten them out one by one.” During a speech to military personnel, Trump said, “This is going to be a major part for some of the people in this room. That’s a war, too. It’s a war from within. Controlling the physical territory of our border is essential to national security.”
Trump also suggested using cities like Chicago as “training grounds” for military operations. “We’re going into Chicago very soon. That’s a big city with an incompetent governor,” he said, referring to Chicago’s leadership.
These comments were met with widespread opposition, including from political rivals and social media users, who criticized the use of military force in domestic cities.
Growing Debate on Military Presence in US Cities
The debate over the National Guard’s presence in US cities continues to be a point of contention. While some argue that it’s necessary to restore order, others fear that it could lead to further escalation and abuse of power. The poll results highlight the deep divide in the American public’s opinion on military intervention in civilian matters.
