Nicolle Wallace Critiques Trump’s Military Use on Colbert

NEW YORK, N.Y. — MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace expressed grave concerns about President Donald Trump‘s approach to military use during his second term while appearing on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on June 11, 2025. Wallace emphasized that unlike his first term, there are fewer checks within the administration to prevent Trump from making controversial military decisions.

“What’s different about Stephen Miller running the ICE raids and running basically a siege of Los Angeles is that there is no Mark Milley, there is no Mark Esper, there is no Jim Mattis,” Wallace said. She noted the absence of traditional Republican voices that had previously acted as a restraint on Trump’s power.

Colbert questioned Wallace about the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles amid protests against immigration raids. Wallace responded, stating, “It feels different to—can we swear here?—f— around with the military. It feels really different.” She highlighted the president’s willingness to use the military as a political tool, which she described as alarming.

Wallace’s comments come in light of Trump’s recent orders, including the mobilization of 700 U.S. Marines in Los Angeles. According to White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, this action was necessary to protect federal law enforcement from violent protests.

Colbert and Wallace also discussed the potential risks of Trump’s current administration veering into authoritarianism. Wallace stated, “The Democratic Party hasn’t rotted or corrupted itself like the Republican Party has. They are one leader away from being fresh and appealing again.”

Wallace, a former White House communications director under President George W. Bush, contrasted the current political landscape with her experience, lamenting the lack of “normal Republicans” in Trump’s commands. She expressed concern over the growing influence of extreme elements within the party.

In earlier coverage of Trump’s activities, Wallace made headlines for her emotional response to a young boy being named an honorary Secret Service agent during a presidential address. She underscored her hope for the boy to lead a fulfilling life, free from the violence often associated with political crises.

As Wallace continues her commentary on the state of U.S. politics, her remarks on military tactics by the Trump administration are drawing significant attention.