Harry Enten: Trump's National Guard Deployments Are a Political Loser

Public Opinion on National Guard Deployments

• 📊 61% of Americans oppose the deployment of active duty U.S. military into U.S. cities, and 58% oppose the National Guard.
• 🎯 Two-thirds of independents oppose the deployment of either active duty military or the National Guard into U.S. cities, indicating a significant political loser for Trump.

Trump's Justification vs. Public Perception

• ⚖️ The public largely disagrees with Trump's rationale for deploying troops, with 51% believing the troops are intended to intimidate political rivals, versus 42% who agree that crime will spiral out of control without them.
• 🗣️ The Democratic opposition's case is winning in the court of public opinion regarding these deployments.

Misplaced Focus and Priorities

• 📌 The majority of Americans (52%) believe the Trump administration is focusing too much on deploying troops to U.S. cities.
• 📉 75% of Americans feel there is too little focus on lowering prices, a key issue for voters.

Concerns Over ICE Raids and Authoritarian Tactics

• 🚨 In Illinois, concerns are high regarding ICE actions, including tear gas deployment near schools and indiscriminate shootings, which are seen as undermining public safety.
• 🏠 A raid on a South Side Chicago apartment building resulted in the removal of dozens of people, including American children, from their beds in the middle of the night, sparking an investigation.
• 🗣️ Critics argue that these actions are part of an authoritarian playbook that creates fear and distrust, particularly targeting communities of color and immigrants.

Alternative Approaches to Public Safety

• 💡 State Senator Graciela Guzman emphasizes the importance of investments in public safety and violence prevention as effective ways to keep communities safe.
• 🤝 Community-led efforts and policies that resource communities are presented as more effective than