Trump Suggests Using Military Against ‘Enemy from Within’ on Election Day, Sparks Concerns Over Authoritarian Rhetoric

Former President Donald Trump has sparked significant concern with his recent suggestion to use the military to address what he termed the ‘enemy from within’ on Election Day. In an interview with Fox News‘ Maria Bartiromo on “Sunday Morning Futures,” Trump emphasized that the larger issue lies with “radical left lunatics” rather than potential disorder from his supporters or foreign entities.

Trump suggested that the National Guard or even the military could intervene if necessary, a stance that has been met with strong criticism from his opponents. Vice President Kamala Harris‘ campaign responded swiftly, with senior spokesperson Ian Sams stating that Trump’s remarks imply that his fellow citizens are greater ‘enemies’ than foreign threats and indicate a willingness to deploy military action against them.

This rhetoric is part of a broader pattern where Trump has been intensifying his language, portraying his political opponents and critics as lawbreakers. He has hinted at a desire to criminalize political discourse that he views as misleading or that disputes his authority. This approach has drawn comparisons to authoritarian regimes and has raised concerns about the potential centralization of power if Trump were to regain the presidency.

Trump’s campaign has also been marked by claims that his political rivals, including Vice President Kamala Harris, are criminals. Despite facing multiple felony charges himself, Trump has continued to assert that his opponents are the real culprits, further polarizing the political landscape.

The issue of voting rights has also become a contentious point, with Trump advocating for increased limitations on voting access and Harris pushing for enhanced legal safeguards against racial discrimination in the electoral process. Trump’s proposals, such as requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and mandating identification before casting a ballot, could disproportionately affect voters of color.

The ongoing election campaign has highlighted deep divisions among voters, with significant differences in perceptions on issues such as the economy, border crossings, and hurricane relief. These divisions reflect the broader ideological split between Trump and Harris supporters, each side having distinct views on the state of the country and the policies that should be implemented).