Trump Advocates for Military Training in U.S. Cities Amidst Controversial Speech

Tue Oct 14 2025 18:17:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a recent address, Trump urges military use in American cities to combat civil unrest, drawing criticism and sparking debate on military involvement in domestic issues.

During a gathering with military leaders, President Trump proposed using U.S. cities as 'training grounds' for the military to address civil disturbances, which he labeled as the 'enemy from within.' This suggestion came in the wake of deploying National Guard troops for law enforcement in various major cities. The speech included a push to restore traditional military standards and expressed strong opinions about 'woke culture' in the Pentagon, eliciting mixed reactions from political figures.

US President Donald Trump has stated his intention to transform American cities into 'training grounds' for the military during a recent address to a congregation of military leaders. Highlighting the challenges posed by 'civil disturbances,' he described them as an 'enemy from within,' asserting that military involvement would prevent situations from 'getting out of control.'

This speech follows the deployment of National Guard troops in cities like Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Portland as a part of Trump's crackdown on crime and immigration enforcement. In his address, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth echoed Trump's sentiments, denouncing 'woke culture' at the Pentagon and instituting new physical fitness standards targeting male military officials.

Trump's remarks included criticism of cities governed by Democrats, claiming they are 'unsafe' and expressing his desire to address these areas sequentially. He defended the militarization of urban law enforcement by stressing the importance of controlling 'the physical territory' for national security.

Politicians, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, condemned Trump's stance, accusing him of using military forces as a means to disrupt and invade communities. Pritzker stated, 'Our troops and our nation deserve better than you acting as a petty tyrant.'

The summit at Marine Corps Base Quantico was heavily secured, featuring a rare assembly of top military personnel from diverse regions including Europe and the Middle East. Many generals listened intently as Hegseth and Trump discussed plans for a cultural shift within the military, including stricter standards for physical fitness and leadership reforms aimed at eliminating past administration policies.

Hegseth's assertion that new fitness requirements may exclude some qualified women drew criticism, with Senator Tammy Duckworth expressing concern over the future impact on military recruitment. Duckworth argued that Hegseth's approach was discriminatory and counterproductive to military service.

Trump also highlighted his vision for the Department of Defense, suggesting a rebranding as the Department of War to reinforce its central purpose. He described this move as pivotal for national pride and recruitment, believing it would resonate positively with military personnel.

The overall atmosphere of the event was subdued, with little visible response from the attending military leaders. Trump humorously noted the silence as he entered the stage and emphasized the necessity of rejuvenating 'the warrior spirit' within the military. His remarks on potentially resolving conflicts, including the ongoing situation in Gaza, marked a varied tone where he fastened military identity with nationalistic pride.