Gov. Phil Scott Deems Trump’s National Guard Deployments Unconstitutional
Vermont’s Governor Phil Scott has publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s recent deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago and Portland, claiming the actions are unconstitutional. During a press conference held in Waterbury, Scott stated that he believes the deployment undermines stability and fosters division within the country.
Governor’s Remarks on the Deployments
Scott expressed concern regarding Trump’s decision to call up 500 National Guard members from Illinois and Texas to assist in Chicago, where some troops were observed near an ICE facility. Additionally, Trump ordered 200 Oregon guard members to Portland, although their deployment is currently on hold due to ongoing federal legal challenges.
- 500 troops deployed to Chicago
- 200 troops sent to Portland
- Both deployments face legal scrutiny
The governor reaffirmed his stance, stating that the military should not intervene against civilians unless there is a clear insurrection, referring to the events of January 6, 2021. According to Scott, the National Guard should focus on community support rather than being used as a tool of enforcement against the public.
Trump’s Justification for Deployments
President Trump justified the troop deployments by claiming they are necessary to address crime and protect ICE operations from protests. Despite these claims, crime statistics indicate that violent crime rates in both cities have not significantly worsened in recent years.
Scott emphasized that he would reject any requests to utilize Vermont’s National Guard for similar purposes. His administration has already declined two requests from the White House, both of which involved immigration enforcement and security operations in Washington, D.C.
Threats Against Local Leaders
Recently, Trump suggested that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker should face jail for their handling of ICE’s operations. Governor Scott criticized this statement, asserting it reflects a troubling approach to leadership. He expressed a commitment to resist any such threats, underscoring the need for respectful dialogue in governance.
Political Context and Healthcare Concerns
Scott’s remarks came amid his ongoing efforts to negotiate a bipartisan funding extension in Congress. On September 29, he sent a letter to U.S. Senate leaders, urging them to agree on a clean funding extension to prevent a government shutdown.
- Clean funding extension: A short-term agreement to maintain current federal spending levels.
- Potential healthcare cuts: 45,000 Vermonters could lose coverage if subsidies expire.
The governor faced criticism from Democratic party leaders for advocating a funding resolution that they believe would harm healthcare provisions. In defense, Scott clarified that his intentions included extending crucial health subsidies alongside the funding agreement.
In summary, Governor Phil Scott’s criticisms of Trump’s National Guard deployments highlight a broader debate about the role of military forces in civilian matters and the implications for local governance and health care policies. His ongoing commitment to bipartisan dialogue is evident as he navigates the challenges facing Vermont and the nation.
