Press Releases

LOWELL, MA - Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Congressman Anthony Brown (MD-04), Vice Chair of the Armed Services Committee, led 14 members of Congress - comprising a majority of the Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee - in a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper, expressing concern with rhetoric and actions employed by the secretary in response to nationwide protests against police brutality and long standing injustices.  

On a Monday call with Governors, Secretary Esper referred to American streets and communities as a "battlespace" that must be “dominate[d]”. Military doctrine states that “dominate activities” are those that “focus on breaking the enemy’s will” and “attacking weaknesses at the leading edge of the enemy’s defensive perimeter.” Members make it clear that citizens must be treated as Americans - not enemy combatants on the battlefield.

Despite saying that the military is not needed in a law enforcement capacity, Secretary Esper reversed his decision to withdraw active-duty troops from the DC area. Troops are still forward deployed to Andrews Air Force Base and Fort Belvoir.

“The actions that you and our armed forces take in the coming days will ultimately be viewed through the lens of history. As a leader you must have the confidence to stand alone and the courage to make tough decisions,” the members wrote. “Those under your leadership will be looking to you for the integrity of your words and the equity of your actions. As the civilian leader of our armed forces, we call on you to heed these words and set a standard for our servicemen and women that history will recognize as a positive force in the resolution of this unrest.”

More than 28,000 National Guard personnel are now deployed across 28 states and Washington, D.C., a greater force than the combined number of troops we have deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. 

Co-signers include: Reps. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Gilbert R. Cisneros (CA-39), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Deb Haaland (NM-01), William R. Keating (MA-09), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Ted W. Lieu (CA-33), Elaine G. Luria (VA-02), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) and Jackie Speier (CA-14).

Full letter is embedded below.

June 3, 2020 

Dear Secretary Esper:   

We are dismayed and gravely concerned regarding your recent statements and subsequent actions in response to the civil unrest in our nation. As Secretary, you have authority, direction and control over the Department of Defense. Your rhetoric and command set the standard for all who serve our country.   

This week you described American streets and communities as a "battlespace" that must be “dominate[d]”. Our own military doctrine, developed over the history of our nation and to which you are entrusted with executing, states that “dominate activities” are those that “focus on breaking the enemy’s will” and “attacking weaknesses at the leading edge of the enemy’s defensive perimeter.” In response to this, let us be clear: United States citizens are not the enemy and our military should not plan or execute attacks against them.   

More than 28,000 National Guard personnel are now deployed across 28 states and Washington, D.C., a greater force than the combined number of troops we currently have deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. The same military doctrine that defines our approach to our enemies states that activities which “enable civil authority” to support “legitimate civil governance” should be conducted through “agreement with the appropriate civil authority,” “especially for operations within the US.” It is imperative that any use of the National Guard or the armed forces adhere to these precepts, and our citizens are treated as Americans - not enemy combatants on the battlefield.   

We are concerned that the actions by the armed forces in recent days indicate this is not the course you or the Department intend to take. Military police have been deployed from Ft. Bragg and other locations in preparation for potential operations in the nation’s capital. Military helicopters have been used at extremely low altitude in a dangerous effort to disrupt protests. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has patrolled the streets of the District of Columbia in military fatigues. These actions are inappropriate under our military doctrine and the values of our society upon which they are built. 

Around the nation, we have seen productive actions by our civil authorities to recognize the frustration felt by our communities and deescalate the unrest; from police chiefs kneeling alongside protestors to demonstrators standing shoulder-to-shoulder to protect our businesses and communities from vandalism. The strength that we have seen from these citizens and neighbors has set the example for how we can establish a peaceful and nonviolent foundation that reduces the intensity of the discourse and provides a path forward to constructive dialogue on the issues that face our country.   

The actions that you and our armed forces take in the coming days will ultimately be viewed through the lens of history. As a leader you must have the confidence to stand alone and the courage to make tough decisions. Those under your leadership will be looking to you for the integrity of your words and the equity of your actions. As the civilian leader of our armed forces, we call on you to heed these words and set a standard for our servicemen and women that history will recognize as a positive force in the resolution of this unrest.   

We recognize your statements today as a first step in this direction. We are hopeful that you will continue to listen to the needs of our nation and our communities to ensure that the victory that results is not based in military force, but in civility that provides equity and justice for all. 

Sincerely,

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