Democratic lawmakers have voiced serious concerns about the pressures faced by the military and intelligence community during the current administration. They emphasized the emotional toll on service members, stating, “We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now.” Their message comes amid fears that President Trump may deploy active-duty U.S. military troops to curb protests in American cities—an issue that Representative Elissa Slotkin has highlighted consistently.
During a recent hearing, Slotkin expressed her apprehension to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, recalling that former Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper mentioned in his memoir that Trump queried why the military could not “just shoot” protesters in Washington in the legs. When Slotkin presented this alarming anecdote, Hegseth dismissed it with laughter, claiming the scenario was unrealistic.
However, Slotkin revealed in an interview with The New York Times that active-duty service members have reached out to her, troubled by the legality of operations targeting individuals accused of drug trafficking, as directed by the Trump administration. Many expressed uncertainty about the risks of personal liability for potential casualties resulting from such military actions. “There’s a real issue there of morale and a feeling like they don’t have a lot of senior leaders who are protecting them,” Slotkin stated, voicing concerns for the welfare of troops who feel isolated in their ranks.
This discourse reflects a growing sentiment within the military community regarding the challenges and complexities of their role in domestic matters. As these discussions unfold, a resilient hope for leadership that prioritizes the well-being of service members remains strong.