Former United States President Donald Trump has issued a provocative statement, suggesting he could support the use of military force against American citizens he deems “the enemy from within” if they disrupt the upcoming elections.
Speaking on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Trump characterised his domestic opponents as “radical left lunatics” and claimed that they pose a greater threat than foreign adversaries.
“I think the bigger problem is the enemy from within, not even the people that have come in and destroyed our country,” Trump stated, referring to American citizens rather than migrants. He asserted that the situation could warrant intervention from the National Guard or, if necessary, the military. “They can’t let that happen,” he added, implying that such measures might be required to maintain order on Election Day.
Trump’s comments came in response to President Joe Biden’s recent statement acknowledging concerns about the potential for unrest during the elections, although Biden expressed confidence in the integrity of the voting process. Trump further claimed that fellow Americans pose a greater danger than nations like China and Russia.
The remarks drew immediate backlash from Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, with spokesperson Ian Sams calling the statements “shocking.” He emphasised the gravity of Trump suggesting that Americans are “worse ‘enemies’ than foreign adversaries” and noted the implications of Trump’s potential willingness to use military force against his own citizens. “Taken with the Supreme Court’s decision to give presidents immunity for their official actions as commander in chief, and Trump’s vow to be a ‘dictator on day one,’ this is scary stuff,” Sams wrote on social media.
Trump continues to propagate unfounded claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election, despite the lack of evidence supporting these allegations. His rhetoric has incited violent actions in the past, notably during the January 6 Capitol riots, when his supporters attempted to overturn the election results.
Following two recent assassination attempts against him, Trump has reportedly requested military aircraft support in the final weeks of his campaign.