Trump’s Military Occupations of U.S. Cities Cost $473 Million and Rising
In recent months, the United States has witnessed a disturbing trend of President Donald Trump using the American military to quell dissent within its own borders. From Portland to Washington D.C., Trump has deployed federal agents and National Guard troops to suppress protests against police brutality and racial injustice. This heavy-handed approach has not only sparked outrage among citizens, but it has also come at a staggering financial cost.
According to a recent report by The Intercept, Trump’s military occupations of U.S. cities have cost taxpayers a whopping $473 million and counting. This exorbitant amount includes the deployment of federal agents and National Guard troops, as well as the use of military equipment and transportation. And as the protests continue to rage on, the cost is only expected to rise.
This immense price tag is not only a burden on taxpayers, but it also raises serious questions about the priorities of the Trump administration. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling to make ends meet due to the ongoing pandemic, is it really wise to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on military occupations of U.S. cities?
Moreover, the use of the military to suppress dissent goes against the very principles that the United States was founded upon. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to peacefully assemble and protest, yet Trump’s actions have shown a blatant disregard for this fundamental right. Instead of addressing the root causes of the protests, such as systemic racism and police brutality, Trump has chosen to use force and intimidation to silence those who dare to speak out.
Not only is this approach undemocratic, but it also has grave implications for the future of our country. By normalizing the use of the military to suppress dissent, Trump is setting a dangerous precedent that could be used by future administrations to silence any form of opposition. This is a slippery slope that could lead to a complete erosion of our democratic values and institutions.
Furthermore, the financial cost of these military occupations is just the tip of the iceberg. The human cost is immeasurable. The use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and other forms of excessive force against peaceful protesters has resulted in numerous injuries and even deaths. This is not the America that we know and love – a country that prides itself on protecting the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
But perhaps the most concerning aspect of Trump’s military occupations is the impact it has on the relationship between the government and its people. The use of the military to suppress dissent only serves to deepen the divide between the government and its citizens. It sends a message that the government is not willing to listen to the concerns of its people and will resort to force to maintain control.
As the protests continue to rage on, it is clear that the use of the military is not the solution. Instead, it is time for the government to listen to the voices of its citizens and take meaningful action to address the root causes of the protests. This includes implementing police reform, addressing systemic racism, and investing in marginalized communities.
In conclusion, Trump’s campaign to quell dissent by deploying the American military to U.S. cities comes at an immense price – both financially and morally. It is a short-sighted and dangerous approach that not only undermines our democracy but also puts the lives of citizens at risk. It is time for the government to prioritize the well-being of its people and work towards building a more just and equitable society. Only then can we truly say that we are living in a country that upholds the values of freedom and democracy.
