NSL4A condemns reporting that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the killing of defenseless survivors during a September 2nd operation, calling the actions potential violations of U.S. and international law and urging Congress to swiftly investigate and ensure accountability.

NSL4A is heartbroken by the senseless shooting of two National Guardsmen, a tragedy about which more will become known in the days ahead. Today, we hold in our prayers these brave Americans whose service reflects the very best of our communities.

NSL4A reaffirms a foundational principle of American democracy: every member of the U.S. military, enlisted and officer, swears an oath to support and defend the Constitution above all else. This constitutional allegiance—and the duty to follow only lawful orders—is the bedrock of our civil–military tradition.

Retired Brigadier General Loree Sutton and former DoD official Jason Forrester testify at New York City Council hearing on “Protecting New York City from Federal Overreach.”

NSL4A condemned the Trump Administration’s lethal strikes on boats in South American waters as ineffective, unlawful, and carried out on inadequate intelligence, warning they destroy evidence, undermine international cooperation, and risk implicating U.S. servicemembers in potential war crimes. NSL4A urges Congress to reassert its authority to ensure counternarcotics operations are effective, legal, and consistent with maritime law.

NSL4A invites partners and media to the West Philadelphia Corridor Collective’s October 14 Zoom briefing to help business leaders prepare for potential National Guard deployments and increased ICE activity. NSL4A speakers include former Under Secretary of the Army Patrick J. Murphy and retired Brig. Gen. Dave McGinnis, joined by Jonathan Grode of Green & Spiegel, LLP.

NSL4A strongly supports the House-passed FY2026 NDAA that preserves the bipartisan Naming Commission’s work, joining LULAC and others in upholding integrity and accountability in the armed forces. The Commission’s efforts ensure military symbols reflect American ideals of unity and service, and reversing its results would disrespect both the process and those principles.

NSL4A unequivocally condemned President Trump’s remarks suggesting U.S. cities be used as military training grounds, warning they threaten public safety, civilian control of the military, and the foundational principles of constitutional governance. Such statements risk normalizing the use of armed forces against American communities and undermine trust in the military’s role in a democracy.”

NSL4A strongly condemns President Trump’s deployment of National Guard forces to Portland, Oregon, as legally unjustified and a threat to democracy. The action disrupts Guard members’ training and readiness, undermining the nation’s ability to defend against real threats.

NSL4A today condemned the Pentagon’s new rule that journalists covering the Pentagon beat must pledge not to report to the public any lawfully obtained news and information, regardless of classification status, that does not pass their new ‘pre-clearance’ standards. The organization called the rule a massive step away from the transparency and scrutiny that prevents groupthink.

NSL4A filed an amicus brief in the Ninth Circuit supporting California Governor Gavin Newsom’s challenge to the federalization of the state National Guard. The brief emphasizes the legal limits on presidential authority to seize state Guard units without a governor’s consent.

NSL4A condemns in the strongest possible terms the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Violence against political leaders and our fellow citizens is unacceptable, un-American, and a direct threat to our democracy.

NSL4A announced its opposition to President Trump’s Executive Order granting the National Guard broad domestic law enforcement powers, calling it “ineffective, wasteful, and dangerous.” The action threatens U.S. democracy by eroding the longstanding separation between civilian policing and the military.

NSL4A is deeply concerned by the sudden firing of Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse, DIA Director, part of a troubling pattern of political interference in U.S. intelligence. These actions, including recent removals at the NSA and National Intelligence Council, reflect efforts to bend intelligence to fit political preferences.

NSL4A urges restraint regarding the President’s plan to deploy up to 1,000 D.C. National Guard personnel, warning that using military forces in civilian policing risks blurring lines and eroding public trust. NSL4A also calls on Congress to exercise oversight to limit domestic military use.

NSL4A is alarmed over the State Department’s plan to eliminate roughly 2,000 positions, including 700 career Foreign Service Officers, and to shutter or consolidate 132 bureaus and offices.

NSL4A is alarmed by the federalization of National Guard troops in Los Angeles against the state’s wishes, warning it risks politicizing the military and undermining public confidence. NSL4A calls on Congress to exercise oversight and limit domestic military use in situations local authorities can manage.

Rear Admiral Mike Smith (Ret), NSL4A Founder and President, delivered remarks at the Unite for Veterans Rally in Washington, D.C., raising concerns about the treatment of veterans. The event, held on the 81st anniversary of D-Day, brought together leaders, advocates, and veterans to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to those who have served.

NSL4A is proud to partner with the Unite for Veterans Rally on June 6, 2025, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. NSL4A Founder and President, Rear Admiral Mike Smith, U.S. Navy (Ret.), will be a keynote speaker alongside U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and former Representatives Adam Kinzinger and Conor Lamb.

Organizers must ensure that the celebration and military parade remain apolitical.

NSL4A recognizes and celebrates the monumental significance of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, honoring generations of soldiers who have courageously defended our freedoms. Our members, including many veterans, urge organizers to ensure the event remains dignified and apolitical.