President Donald Trump intensified his crime-fighting initiatives by suggesting that military forces be utilized to restore safety in large Democratic-run cities. Speaking to generals and admirals in Quantico, Virginia, in late September 2025, Trump described the urban violence as a nationwide “war from within,” demanding decisive action.
He specifically criticized leaders of Chicago and New York for presiding over dangerous cities and said the military, including the National Guard, would be used for federal interventions. Previous troop deployments in Washington, D.C., and Memphis serve as precedents.
While opponents cautioned against military overreach, Trump maintained the urgency of defending the nation against internal threats, invoking a stark tone about the ongoing challenges.
