As trending headlines sweep across the nation, the gravity of Donald Trump’s latest abuse of power has sent shockwaves through both political and military circles. In a dramatic escalation, a retired Army Major General has used two unprecedented words to describe the president: “potential war criminal.” This stark warning comes as Trump intensifies his campaign against political opponents, transforming American cities into battlegrounds and putting millions at risk.
The crisis reached a boiling point in Portland, Oregon, where frightening visuals emerged of armed service members patrolling city streets. Tanks rolled by as snipers trained their weapons on crowds of protesters—American citizens exercising their right to free speech. The images were a chilling reminder of how quickly democracy can be threatened when leaders abandon constitutional principles.
Illinois Governor JD Pritzker, also targeted by Trump, sounded his own version of “Defcon 1,” conceding that he’s now on the president’s enemies list. “He is focused on Democrats and now he’s made an enemies list,” Pritzker declared. “He’s calling us domestic enemies. What kind of a country are we in?” Pritzker lamented the loss of civil debate and the rise of political persecution, warning that the president’s actions have crossed a dangerous line.
The most explosive moment came during a televised interview with retired Army Major General Randy Manor. As tanks and armed soldiers appeared on American streets, Manor condemned the normalization of military force against civilians. “We should never ever normalize the idea of American soldiers on US soil. It’s absolutely un-American,” he said, invoking President Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms—speech, worship, freedom from fear, and freedom from want. “None of those things are happening right now because people are fearful,” Manor added
The general drew a clear line between military duty and political abuse, emphasizing the importance of rules of engagement—protocols designed to protect civilians, even in combat zones. Manor expressed grave concern over remarks from Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who dismissed these rules as “stupid.” “Those are the words of potential war criminals,” Manor warned. “The enemy within is not the American people and it is not within the American military. I leave it to your listeners to decide where is the enemy within.”
The specter of military force against protesters has reignited calls for the 25th Amendment, which gives Congress the power to remove a president unable to fulfill their duties. “Are we there yet?” Pritzker mused. “We’re certainly getting closer.” The chilling reality is that Trump’s enemies list now includes governors, generals, and everyday Americans who dare to dissent.
Across social media and news outlets, outrage is building. The president’s supporters remain vocal, but critics warn that the nation is “looking down the barrel of a democratic and constitutional collapse.” With armed troops in the streets, the rule of law under siege, and cries for accountability growing louder, the stakes have never been higher.
This moment marks a critical juncture in American history. Will the country continue down this path of division and militarization, or will the voices of reason and democracy prevail? The answer may depend on whether conversations about Trump’s criminality and the 25th Amendment gain traction at the highest levels of government.
For now, the message is clear: Americans must not normalize the sight of soldiers on their streets, nor accept the erosion of their freedoms. As Major General Manor and Governor Pritzker have warned, the fight for democracy is far from over—and the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic.
Stay tuned as this story develops, and join the conversation to defend the values that define the United States. Leave your thoughts below and let’s continue to occupy democracy together.