Supreme Court to Decide: Can Trump Deploy Troops Against Americans?

According to Ian Millhiser, a senior correspondent at Vox, the Supreme Court's decision could have far-reaching consequences for the country. "If the Supreme Court allows Trump to use the National Guard in this way, it would set a dangerous precedent for the use of military force against American citizens," Millhiser said in an interview. "It would essentially give the president unchecked power to deploy troops against anyone, anywhere, without any oversight or accountability." The case began in October 2025, when Trump asked the Supreme Court to greenlight his use of National Guard troops to suppress a small protest at an immigration facility in Broadview, Illinois. The protest, which ranged in size from a few dozen people to about 200, was sparked by concerns over the treatment of migrants at the facility. Two lower courts had previously ruled that Trump's use of the National Guard in this way was illegal, citing concerns over the potential for abuse of power and the erosion of civil liberties. The Supreme Court's decision to take up the case has sparked concerns among civil liberties groups and lawmakers who fear that Trump's use of troops could be used to suppress dissent and silence critics. "The use of military force against American citizens is a fundamental threat to our democracy," said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), a vocal critic of Trump's actions. "We must ensure that the president is not given unchecked power to deploy troops against anyone, anywhere." The Supreme Court's ruling is expected to be issued in the coming weeks, with many observers expecting a close decision. The justices have signaled that they may not grant Trump the authority to use troops in this manner, but the final decision remains uncertain. Regardless of the outcome, the case is likely to have significant implications for the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, and for the country's civil liberties. As the Supreme Court deliberates, many are left wondering what the implications of such a decision would be. "If the Supreme Court allows Trump to use the National Guard in this way, it would be a devastating blow to our democracy," said Millhiser. "It would essentially give the president a blank check to use military force against anyone, anywhere, without any oversight or accountability."