Retired National Guard Leader Pushes Back on President’s Call for Military Use in U.S. Cities

Interview
Written By David Petri

Maj. Gen. Randy Manner, USA (Ret.)

NPR

October 2, 2025

President Trump told an audience of senior military leaders this week that American cities should be used as training grounds and that the military should confront an “enemy within.” Retired Major Gen. Randy Manner, former acting vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, pushed back on the remarks, noting that real training involves heavy equipment, weapons, and complex operations that cannot safely take place in populated areas. He emphasized that the military’s duty is to the Constitution, not to any individual, and reassured the public that the armed forces will not be turned against Americans. Manner cautioned that deploying the Guard in law enforcement roles risks confusing its mission, straining public trust, and diverting focus from its core responsibilities.

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David Petri

Dave Petri is a marketing and sustainability professional with 30 years of leadership experience across multiple industries. Since 2010, Dave’s professional experience has primarily been in the Outdoor Industry, including industry-wide leadership roles. He launched Cynosura Consulting in 2019 and is the principal consultant, providing his expertise to various companies and organizations in the manufacturing, hospitality, and event management sectors.

https://www.cynosurallc.com
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