In a controversial private discussion that's raising eyebrows across political circles, former President Donald Trump has reportedly suggested deploying National Guard troops to tackle violent crime in New Orleans. The revelation comes from a closed-door meeting with Louisiana Republicans that took place earlier this week.
Private Meeting Sparks Constitutional Debate
According to sources familiar with the discussion, Trump floated the idea during conversations with prominent Louisiana Republicans, including potential gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Jeff Landry. The proposal would see National Guard forces directly intervening in crime-ridden areas of the southern city.
Fox News host Pete Hegseth, a known Trump ally who attended the gathering, confirmed the exchange to The Independent. "He mentioned that, I think in a conversation with Jeff Landry, he said, 'Why don't you just use the National Guard?'" Hegseth revealed.
Legal and Practical Hurdles
The suggestion immediately raises significant constitutional questions about the role of federal military forces in domestic law enforcement. Legal experts point to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits using federal military personnel for domestic policing.
However, Trump's team appears to be exploring potential workarounds. "He was asking the question, 'What's the holdup?'" Hegseth added, indicating Trump's frustration with existing approaches to crime reduction.
New Orleans Crime Statistics Paint Grim Picture
The context for Trump's suggestion lies in New Orleans' troubling crime statistics. The city has seen a significant spike in violent incidents, with murder rates reaching levels that local authorities have struggled to contain through conventional policing methods.
Community leaders and law enforcement officials have been seeking solutions, but the notion of military intervention remains deeply controversial among civil liberties advocates and local residents.
Political Reactions and Implications
The proposal comes as Trump positions himself for a potential 2024 presidential run, with crime and public safety expected to be central themes in his campaign. His willingness to suggest such dramatic measures signals a continued hardline approach to law and order issues.
Local Democratic leaders have already expressed concern about the militarization of policing, while some Republican figures see it as evidence of Trump's commitment to tackling urban crime head-on.
As the debate continues, all eyes remain on how this proposal might develop and whether similar suggestions might emerge for other cities facing crime challenges across the United States.
