Since taking office, Donald Trump has already dramatically increased the level of U.S. military action both at home and militarily around the globe. This change demonstrates his evolution from showman to strongman. Most recently, he’s deployed the troops in Los Angeles streets to handle openly peaceful protests and demonstrations. Relations with Iran In parallel, he has undertaken a major military intervention against Iran. This disturbing nexus of moves puts into sharp relief the dangerous and damaging consequences for U.S. foreign policy and for domestic governance under Trump.
At the same time, Trump’s administration has come under fire for its domestic policies. He created a personal “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). That decision led to dramatic funding reductions at USAID and other agencies under Congress’s jurisdiction. Critics say this reversal erodes public safety and the government’s ability to react quickly and greatly in moments of emergencies.
Trump’s military strategy has played out in highly controversial operations far beyond Iran. In only two months, his illegitimate bombing campaign in Yemen has resulted in almost as many civilian deaths as the whole previous 23 years of U.S. strikes on militants in the region. The breadth of what he’s done is shocking and appalling. In Syria, he initiated cruise missile strikes. Meanwhile, he deepened US military involvement in Somalia and ramped up operations against the Islamic State group. In Afghanistan, he executed the first drop of a Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb. He personally approved for the first time a drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Suleimani.
On Sunday’s episode of NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump defended his actions regarding Iran, stating, “We’re not at war with Iran; we’re at war with Iran’s nuclear programme.” Such a comment is in line with the narrative that his administration has been pushing, which favors national security goals at the expense of popularity.
“I certainly empathise with Americans who are exhausted after 25 years of foreign entanglements in the Middle East. I understand the concern, but the difference is that back then we had dumb presidents and now we have a president who actually knows how to accomplish America’s national security objective.” – JD Vance
Lest one think that his military operations abroad are the only way he’s made the world more dangerous, Trump has instituted an extreme crackdown on immigration. Moreover, reports have surfaced that masked federal agents have recently deported asylum seekers and other individuals without due process. He sent as many 8,000 Marines and National Guard troops to face down protesters in Los Angeles. This well-intentioned move further heightened tensions in a city already simmering with discord.
On his birthday, Trump held a military parade featuring tanks in Washington D.C., further emphasizing his commitment to showcasing American military strength.
Reaction to the display
The display has drawn both criticism and praise. Supporters hail its striking visual display of our national pride, while detractors critique it as an imprudent display of military might.
For all of his lofty rhetoric around having no wars under his presidency, critics are quick to denounce this claim as false. His military interventions and his hard line approach towards Iran has raised major controversies. This conversation touches on the constitutionality of his actions and the broader effect they’ll have on U.S. foreign policy.
Republican hawks and pro-Israel supporters, among others, will likely cheer Trump’s moves against Iran. In sharp opposition, most Democrats have denounced such moves as unconstitutional overreaches. The absence of congressional authorization for the strikes has left many to deepen concerns about the growing and dangerous executive power and a lack of accountability.
“We will measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars that we end – and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into.” – The White House
Instead, Trump’s administration is doubling down on this dangerous course. So far, little attention has been paid to how these military maneuvers will affect domestic stability and their relations with the outside world. Opposition is growing from almost all sectors of American society, and worries about executive overreach have reached fever pitch. The success of his presidency might be decided by how these controversies play out in the coming months.