What's happened
The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing on December 11, 2025, to question Pentagon officials about the legality of recent National Guard deployments in US cities, amid objections from mayors and governors. The hearing also addressed concerns over the use of military force and legal protections for service members.
What's behind the headline?
The hearing marks a significant escalation in congressional oversight of military domestic operations. It underscores ongoing tensions over the use of the National Guard for law enforcement support, especially when actions are taken without state approval. The military emphasizes that Guard units are trained for community policing and are prohibited from using force unless in self-defense. However, critics like Senator Duckworth argue that deploying troops over objections from local authorities risks undermining legal norms and military discipline. The controversy also highlights broader debates about presidential authority versus state sovereignty, especially in the context of immigration enforcement and law enforcement support. The legal and political fallout from California's court ruling could set a precedent, limiting federal use of state National Guard units without state consent. This situation foreshadows potential legal reforms and increased scrutiny of executive power in deploying military forces domestically. The outcome will likely influence future policies on military involvement in internal security and the balance of power between federal and state authorities.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the Senate hearing was the highest level of scrutiny outside a courtroom since the deployments began, with Republican allies defending the policy amid Democratic criticism. AP News highlights the legal challenges faced by the administration, including a California court ruling to halt deployment of the California National Guard. Andreas Kluth in The Japan Times provides a historical perspective, comparing current US debates to Germany’s post-WWII reflection on morality and legality in military actions, emphasizing the importance of lawful orders and moral responsibility. The sources collectively reveal a polarized narrative: Republicans framing the deployments as necessary for public safety, while Democrats and legal experts question their legality and impact on civil liberties and military discipline. The coverage underscores the ongoing debate over presidential authority, legality of military actions at home, and the importance of adherence to legal norms and constitutional principles.
How we got here
Recent deployments of the National Guard in US cities have been controversial, with some actions taken without approval from state governors. The deployments are linked to efforts to support federal law enforcement and combat crime, but have faced legal challenges and questions about their legality and impact on military readiness. The issue gained prominence after incidents involving Guard members and legal rulings in California, where the state sought to regain control of its troops.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
National guard is the name used by a wide variety of current and historical uniformed organizations in different countries. The original National Guard was formed during the French Revolution around a cadre of defectors from the French Guards.
National...