Unrest on the Streets: American Activists Speak Out - Marines Enlisted - They're Battled-Hardened Combatants
- Penned by Alexandra Kraft
- | - Approx 4 mins read
- Donald Trump
- USA
- Civil Liberties
- Capital Hill, Washington D.C.
- Los Angeles
A Look Back at Previous Events Involving the Marines
U.S. Advocate's Remark: "Marines have been deployed; they're battle-hardened, skilled for lethal operations" - U.S. Advocate's Assertion: "Marines dispatched - their training equips them for lethal actions"
June 2025 marked the festive gathering of President Donald Trump's grand military parade in Washington D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, coinciding with his own birthday. This high-priced spectacle, reminiscent of parades from the 90s, boasted tanks, armored vehicles, marching soldiers, and aerial displays, an event not seen since 1991.[1][2][3] Trump touted this demonstration as a showcase of America's military prowess, claiming that other nations frequently stage such events.
The backdrop of this display was the simultaneous eruption of protests nationwide, under the slogan "No Kings," accusing Trump of fascist behavior, fiscal recklessness, and undermining civil rights. Washington D.C. played host to peaceful but substantial demonstrations near the parade route, with protesters demanding respect for due process and the rights of immigrants.[1][3]
Los Angeles, however, saw escalating protests that targeted Trump's immigration rules. In response, the administration mobilized 700 active-duty Marines, intending to safeguard federal offices and personnel against "unruly" protesters.[4] This move represented a significant departure from traditional U.S. history, with active-duty military units deployed against domestic protests, an act that contradicts the country's founding values and fears of a standing army imposing upon civilians. California Governor Gavin Newsom deemed this action "morally repugnant" and a manifestation of authoritarianism.[4]
Repercussions and Significance
- Fractured Nation and Political Aftermath: The protests underscored the deep-rooted disagreement within American society regarding Trump's leadership style and his policies. The "No Kings" movement garnered significant support nationwide, casting Trump as a threat to democratic principles.[1][2]
- Military Intervention in Civil Matters: The deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles marked a unique chapter in the use of military forces in domestic matters, serving as a new boundary in the application of federal power in managing anti-government protests. Such tactics can generate positive public sentiment when employed to restore order, but prompt immediate backlash when directed against people challenging social or political systems.[4]
- The Symbolism of the Parade: Trump's military parade was seen by supporters as an expression of national pride, while critics denounced it as a propagandistic power play that intimidated dissenters.[1][3]
- Law Enforcement and Protest Dynamics: Despite threats by Trump to unleash force, the demonstrations in Washington D.C. remained primarily non-violent, with no major arrests reported during the large rallies, though tensions simmered, notably in Los Angeles where clashes with police occurred.[3]
In conclusion, the protests against Trump in 2025, most notably those involving confrontations between the Marines and protesters in Los Angeles and the large gatherings in Washington D.C., showcase a period of immense political divisiveness and raise questions about the proper roles of military forces in handling domestic dissent and the scope of executive authority within a democratic society.[1][3][4]
- The European Union, in light of the turbulence caused by the domestic protests in the USA, may find it necessary to revisit and reinforce its common foreign and security policy, especially in relation to the application of military forces in domestic matters, as a means to uphold democratic principles and civil liberties.
- As the global community witnesses the escalating war-and-conflicts within nations, including the clashes between the Marines and protesters in Los Angeles, politicians and journalists around the world are closely monitoring the implications of using military forces in civil matters, discussing the politics and general news surrounding these events, with the hope of preventing similar occurrences in their own countries.
