Obama Slams Trump’s Deployment of Troops to U.S. Cities: A “Mind-Boggling” Overreach
When news spread that Donald Trump might invoke a centuries-old wartime statute to send troops into American cities, alarm bells rang nationwide.
Critics warned of a dangerous abuse of power, while supporters hailed it as necessary leadership in troubled times. Amidst the uproar, one voice cut through the noise with stark clarity: former President Barack Obama.
On the October 13 episode of Marc Maron’s WTF podcast, Obama did not mince words, calling Trump’s decision to deploy troops to cities like Chicago and Los Angeles “mind-boggling” and “dangerous.”
The former president’s sharp rebuke has reignited a critical debate about the limits of executive power and the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties.
The Context: Troops on U.S. Soil
The controversy stems from speculation that Trump would invoke the Insurrection Act, a rarely used 19th-century law that permits the president to deploy armed forces domestically under certain “emergency” conditions. Already, around 800 National Guard members have been sent to Washington, D.C., following a declared “crime emergency,” sparking a storm of political backlash.
Many point out that Trump’s deployments have disproportionately targeted Democratic-led cities, intensifying partisan divides. This selective approach has raised questions about whether the military is being used as a political tool rather than a security measure.
Obama’s Candid Criticism
Speaking with Marc Maron, Obama framed the issue in stark terms: “When you have militaries that can direct force against their own people… that is inherently corrupting.” He warned that the country faces a profound test, one that transcends party lines.
“We’re being tested right now,” Obama said. “And people, especially young people, have to understand that their choices—even the choice not to vote—carry consequences.”
In an unusual moment of self-reflection, Obama acknowledged the need for humility in leadership. “You can’t constantly lecture people without recognizing that you’ve got blind spots too,” he said.
The conversation turned to the ongoing Israel conflict and dissatisfaction among some Biden supporters. Obama emphasized the complexities of democracy, reminding listeners that sometimes, “partial wins” are the best outcomes possible.
Perhaps most pointedly, Obama posed a hypothetical scenario to highlight perceived double standards: “If I had sent the National Guard into Texas and said, ‘There’s a lot of crime in Dallas, and I don’t care what Governor Abbott says—I’m taking over law enforcement,’ Fox News would have lost its mind. It’s mind-boggling.”
Responses and Reactions
OBAMA: “What if I sent the National Guard into Texas and said I don’t care what Governor Abbott says… and just kind of took over?”
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) October 15, 2025
Imagine that.
Fox News would’ve held a 96-hour emergency broadcast with 18 split screens and a countdown to “Tyranny Day.”
But when it’s Trump… pic.twitter.com/JcTPRRTrbR
Fox News, a staunch Trump ally, frequently features the former president defending his policies. In response to Obama’s criticism, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Axios, “Whether it’s restoring safety in dangerous cities, fostering international peace, or creating a strong economy, President Trump has made America thrive again—regardless of what Barack Hussein Obama has to say about it.”
Conclusion
Obama’s pointed remarks underscore a widening national divide on the use of military force within the United States. His warning about the “corrupting” potential of deploying armed forces against citizens highlights concerns about the fragile nature of American democracy itself.
While Trump’s supporters frame his actions as decisive and necessary, critics—including Obama—fear they represent a dangerous overreach of presidential power.
As the nation approaches another contentious election season, this clash is a stark reminder that the fight for America’s soul is as much about constitutional principles as it is about politics.