Republican Governors Deploy Military Against Democratic Cities at Trump's Behest

Republican Governors Eagerly Join Trump's Military Campaign Against Blue Cities In a disturbing trend, Republican governors have been enthusiastically supporting President Donald Trump's efforts to deploy military forces against cities run by Democrats. An analysis by The Intercept reveals that nearly all 27 states with Republican governors have contributed troops to support Trump's administration in its partisan war on immigrants and urban occupations. According to the report, 23 of these states have deployed National Guard troops to aid Trump's objectives, while at least 19 states have assigned their Guard members to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Furthermore, two additional Republican-led states have sent troops to bolster Trump's militarization efforts along the southern border. In a July 11, 2025, meeting with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Trump emphasized his intention to target Democratic strongholds, stating, "We're going to take care of these cities, and we're going to make America great again." Abbott, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump's policies, concurred, saying, "As governor, I'm committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities." This development raises significant concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for further militarization of law enforcement. Critics argue that deploying military forces against civilians is an unprecedented overreach of executive power. "This is a clear abuse of authority," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a constitutional law expert at the University of California, Berkeley. "The deployment of National Guard troops to aid ICE operations sets a disturbing precedent for the use of force against American citizens." Background research reveals that Trump's administration has been actively seeking ways to circumvent federal laws and deploy military forces in support of its immigration policies. In 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a memo allowing the deployment of National Guard troops to aid ICE operations, citing "national security concerns." The implications of this trend are far-reaching and have sparked intense debate among lawmakers, civil rights organizations, and experts. As one Democratic senator noted, "This is not just about immigration policy; it's about the fundamental principles of our democracy. We must ensure that our military is used to protect citizens, not to target them." As the situation continues to unfold, several developments are worth noting: The deployment of National Guard troops has been met with resistance from some Democratic governors, who argue that their states' resources should be focused on addressing pressing local issues. Human rights organizations have condemned Trump's administration for its treatment of immigrants and civilians, citing reports of excessive force and human rights abuses. Congressional lawmakers are considering legislation to restrict the deployment of National Guard troops in support of ICE operations. This story will continue to evolve as new information becomes available. *Reporting by Theintercept.*