“A Sacred and Terrifying Prospect”: Heated Debate Over Trump’s Plan to Use Military for Deportations

A fiery exchange erupted Monday night on CNN’s NewsNight as Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff clashed with Republican strategist Scott Jennings over President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Rieckhoff, founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, expressed deep concern about the prospect of deploying the military against civilians.

“It is really a sacred and terrifying prospect for anyone who’s been in uniform,” Rieckhoff said, drawing on his combat experience overseas. “You can send me to Iraq, but to send me across from American protesters and situations like we’ve seen across America is wrought with a tremendous burden you’re going to put on men and women in uniform.”

He warned Americans to be “extremely cautious” of any proposal involving military action on U.S. soil, emphasizing the ethical and psychological weight it places on service members. Jennings, however, countered that Trump’s plan would target undocumented immigrants, not U.S. citizens, framing it as a matter of national security, told CBS News.

“Which I think most people would agree is a national emergency,” Jennings argued. He noted the historical use of the National Guard on American soil, including deployments to the border. The discussion quickly turned combative when Rieckhoff interjected, claiming such deployments have been limited to cases like “wildfires.” Jennings shot back, asserting, “No, to the border.”

Their back-and-forth escalated as Rieckhoff smiled and pointed out that these deployments occurred in “small numbers.” Jennings, visibly irritated, tried to continue, saying, “You got to make your speech. Let me —” only to be cut off by Rieckhoff, who accused Jennings of derailing the discussion with partisan talking points. Jennings fired back sarcastically, “By all means have at it, my friend. You’re the expert.”

When Rieckhoff clarified he wasn’t an expert but a “concerned citizen,” Jennings responded pointedly, “Well, you act like one.” The tension mounted further when Rieckhoff asked if Jennings had served in uniform. Jennings replied, “I have served as a United States citizen,” adding he had read reports on border deployments.

“Have you been to the border?” Jennings pressed. When Rieckhoff admitted he had not, Jennings concluded dismissively, “Oh! So you’re not a genius. Go on. By all means. Have at it.” The fiery debate highlighted deep divisions over the implications of Trump’s controversial deportation plans and the ethical dilemmas of military involvement on American soil.