Here comes the Gestapo!
Donald Trump's New Order Sparks 'Martial Law' Concerns
Story by Sophie Clark
• 1h•
3 min read
President
Donald Trump has ordered federal agencies to increase the flow of military and national security equipment to local law enforcement, a move that has raised concerns about the militarization of policing across the United States.
Why It Matters
Research into militarized police forces has found the practice can erode public trust,
escalate encounters between police and citizens and blur the distinction between military operations and domestic law enforcement.
This executive order specifically has increased fears around an encroachment toward martial law. The president has already called for his government to review the Insurrection Act,
which would give more domestic power to the military, and now wants to provide regular law enforcement with militaristic material.
The "Strengthening and Unleashing America's Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens" executive order, which the president signed on Monday, directs Attorney General
Pam Bondi and Secretary of Defense
Pete Hegseth, in consultation with Secretary of Homeland Security
Kristi Noem and other agency heads, to "increase the provision of excess military and national security assets in local jurisdictions" within 90 days.
The directive gives the attorney general and the secretary of defense a three-month deadline to begin expanding the provision of military and national security resources to "assist state and local law enforcement."
While the order does not specify the types of equipment that will be made available, past programs involving the transfer of
military gear to police departments have included armored vehicles, tactical equipment and surveillance technology.
The order also stipulates, "Within 90 days of the date of this order, the secretary of defense, in coordination with the attorney general, shall determine how military and national security assets, training, non-lethal capabilities, and personnel can most effectively be utilized to prevent crime."
In addition to bolstering local law enforcement agencies, the White House has moved to expand the role of the U.S. miliary in domestic law enforcement. Earlier this month, Trump
issued a presidential memorandum that directed the military to take a more direct role in securing the southern border, with the ability to
detain and search individuals in the New Mexico National Defense Area.
An armed Capitol Police officer is seen on the House steps the U.S. Capitol after the last vote of the week on Friday, February 7, 2025. Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images© Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images
What People Are Saying
Political scientist Joel Montfort on X, formerly Twitter: "Truly terrifying executive order from DJT [Donald J. Trump]. All local law enforcement will now use aggressive tactics to police cities, and when they break the law, those big law firms who caved will represent them pro bono. Martial Law is starting."
Chris Stoecker, a columnist for German current affairs magazine Der Spiegel, wrote on X: "This is highly worrying. Trump has issued an executive order that basically is supposed to make it possible to use military forces as 'law enforcement' and paves the way for militias 'aiding' the police with legal impunity. They are preparing to violently quash expected riots."
What Happens Next
The
Department of Justice and the Department of Defense are expected to develop and initiate the expanded transfer program by July 27, according to the order.
Details on the types of military equipment to be distributed, the criteria for local agency eligibility and oversight measures are expected to emerge as the agencies work to fulfill the directive.
