US Cities Plunged into Martial Law: Trump's Military Occupation Costs Top $473 Million, Exceeding Estimates.
President Donald Trump's efforts to deploy troops across the United States in an effort to quell dissent and enforce order have resulted in a staggering price tag. According to a report by The Intercept, which obtained estimates from the National Priorities Project, the total cost of these deployments has already surpassed $473 million.
The figures are substantial, with Los Angeles accounting for $172 million, Washington D.C. nearly reaching $270 million, and Portland being allocated an astonishing $15 million. Additionally, Memphis was assigned $3 million while Chicago received almost $13 million in funding as part of Trump's martial law initiative.
Critics argue that these costs do not account for the long-term consequences of deploying troops to urban areas without consent from state governors or local authorities. Experts have questioned the constitutionality and legality of such actions under the Posse Comitatus Act, which bans federal troops from enforcing domestic laws.
"This is a disaster waiting to happen," said Hanna Homestead of the National Priorities Project. "Especially given all the GOP’s massive social spending cuts that are stripping health care and food benefits from millions of families, and the fact that the Pentagon is reportedly planning to ramp up use of National Guard troops for an impending nationwide crackdown."
The Trump administration's actions have sparked outrage among civil rights activists and lawmakers who see these deployments as a threat to democracy. "Protest plays an essential role in our democracy and President Trump is hellbent on suppressing it," stated Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLU’s National Security Project.
Trump has repeatedly invoked the Insurrection Act to justify his actions, but many argue that this power is being abused by the president. The Insurrection Act allows for military intervention in domestic disturbances, but critics claim that Trump's interpretation of the law is overly broad and unconstitutional.
The White House has failed to provide details on how much these deployments cost or whether they were necessary. In fact, officials have refused to disclose basic information about federal troop deployments, sparking concerns among lawmakers who are pushing for transparency.
As tensions rise across the United States, many citizens remain fearful of their government's actions and uncertain about what the future holds. With costs skyrocketing, it is clear that Trump's aggressive approach to enforcing order will come at a high price – one that may be paid by the very people he claims to be protecting.
President Donald Trump's efforts to deploy troops across the United States in an effort to quell dissent and enforce order have resulted in a staggering price tag. According to a report by The Intercept, which obtained estimates from the National Priorities Project, the total cost of these deployments has already surpassed $473 million.
The figures are substantial, with Los Angeles accounting for $172 million, Washington D.C. nearly reaching $270 million, and Portland being allocated an astonishing $15 million. Additionally, Memphis was assigned $3 million while Chicago received almost $13 million in funding as part of Trump's martial law initiative.
Critics argue that these costs do not account for the long-term consequences of deploying troops to urban areas without consent from state governors or local authorities. Experts have questioned the constitutionality and legality of such actions under the Posse Comitatus Act, which bans federal troops from enforcing domestic laws.
"This is a disaster waiting to happen," said Hanna Homestead of the National Priorities Project. "Especially given all the GOP’s massive social spending cuts that are stripping health care and food benefits from millions of families, and the fact that the Pentagon is reportedly planning to ramp up use of National Guard troops for an impending nationwide crackdown."
The Trump administration's actions have sparked outrage among civil rights activists and lawmakers who see these deployments as a threat to democracy. "Protest plays an essential role in our democracy and President Trump is hellbent on suppressing it," stated Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLU’s National Security Project.
Trump has repeatedly invoked the Insurrection Act to justify his actions, but many argue that this power is being abused by the president. The Insurrection Act allows for military intervention in domestic disturbances, but critics claim that Trump's interpretation of the law is overly broad and unconstitutional.
The White House has failed to provide details on how much these deployments cost or whether they were necessary. In fact, officials have refused to disclose basic information about federal troop deployments, sparking concerns among lawmakers who are pushing for transparency.
As tensions rise across the United States, many citizens remain fearful of their government's actions and uncertain about what the future holds. With costs skyrocketing, it is clear that Trump's aggressive approach to enforcing order will come at a high price – one that may be paid by the very people he claims to be protecting.