In the meantime, former President Donald Trump is under a microscope. It’s his recent actions and policies that have riled up the formidable public debate and criticism. Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to LA was a big deal, though. As a result, it ended up costing taxpayers almost $120 million. That deployment was a response to the protests that arose in favor of immigrants targeted in immigration raids. A separate federal judge in California subsequently ruled it illegal.
In June, as protests erupted in Los Angeles concerning immigration enforcement, Trump ordered the National Guard and marines to assist local law enforcement. The decision has come under fire not just for its financial impact, but for legal reasons. As eluded to by the federal court’s decision, this overall approach has been very controversial, both politically and legally.
Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda didn’t end in California. Just recently, he told one outlet that he was optimistic that Democrat Zohran Mamdani will be New York City’s next mayor. This is dependent upon two of the three big candidates exiting the race. This specific comment speaks to Trump’s continued influence on the electoral battles after his presidency.
Amplifying the contradictions of his administration’s policies, Trump has doubled down on his war on immigration, staying true to his hardline roots. His administration was recently accused of starting the plans for an “immigration enforcement blitz” to hit Boston in the next few weeks, raiding so-called “sanctuary cities.” These municipalities have been the most stalwart opponents of Trump’s immigration policies. To achieve this, his approach has been through mass deportations and brutal enforcement measures.
Stronger militarization Trump himself has used the excuse of drug activity to further strengthen the administration’s militarization as well. The U.S. has ordered ten F-35 fighter jets to be stationed at an airfield on Puerto Rico’s main island. These jets will be carrying out operations against the Mexican drug cartels. This action, focused as it is on countering drug trafficking networks, will only deepen the tensions in the region.
In a foreign policy speech last week Trump tried to reframe his administration’s warmaking as diplomatic statecraft that keeps the homeland secure. He stated, “Everybody likes that we had an unbelievable history of victory when it was the Department of War,” referring to his advocacy for rebranding the U.S. military. He added, “Then we changed it to Department of Defense.”
So, critics have reacted harshly to Trump’s militaristic military policies. Senator Tammy Duckworth questioned the financial priorities of deploying troops, stating, “Why not put this money toward supporting military families or toward employing diplomats that help prevent conflicts from starting in the first place?” Duckworth condemned Trump for misappropriating military funds for political projects instead of advancing our national security.
Trump’s new diplomatic approach hasn’t gone over so well with our friends across the pond. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked on Trump’s style, describing it as “quite cynical” yet constructive, stating, “In contrast, Trump is much more constructive. He is, in the good sense of the word, quite cynical. In terms of ‘why fight if you can trade’.”
For Climate, Tensions Over Trump’s Anti-Environmental Policies Boil Over
In a last ditch effort, he is now asking the Supreme Court to strike down a recent lower court ruling on tariffs. This trend of legal maneuvering is a sign of Trump’s continued promise to act on his economic agenda wherever judicial roadblocks may appear.
Moreover, Trump’s controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans has sparked further discussion about his administration’s immigration tactics. Proponents and advocates counter that such measures are not only legally indefensible, but undermine the safety and social fabric of communities.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti’s administration has pushed back against Trump’s tactics. Michelle Wu, a prominent political figure in Boston, remarked, “Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the law – city, state and federal.” She highlighted the importance of community engagement in maximizing safety investment. Further, she condemned Trump’s weaponization of immigration enforcement to attack political opponents.
Beyond his jarring relationship with congressional leaders, Trump’s relationship with other powerful figures has been equally chaotic. Following a public breakup with Elon Musk earlier this year, he has remained engaged in both political and business discussions. This relationship captures his deep and unique understanding of the evolving nature of leadership and civic engagement.