Impolitic with John Heilemann Tom Nichols: L.A. Was a Dress Rehearsal
Jun 16, 2025
Tom Nichols, a U.S. Naval War College professor emeritus and Atlantic staff writer, joins the discussion to analyze Trump’s militarization of law enforcement, particularly in L.A. He argues this is an unsettling dry run for U.S. troops in urban settings. Nichols critiques the erosion of military integrity linked to political influences and the silence of military leaders. He also touches on America’s passive role in global conflicts, notably in Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing the moral complexities of national security.
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Trump's Militarization Strategy
- Trump's deployment of troops to LA is a political move to provoke blue state officials and rally his base with images of chaos.
- This militarization is a dangerous acclimatization for Americans to seeing soldiers in urban domestic roles.
The Importance of Public Pushback
- Public disapproval of troop deployments can deter normalization of military presence in cities.
- Trump chose LA as a safe test case in a blue state to push this agenda with limited blowback.
Support Troops to Undermine Overreach
- Encourage support for troops deployed in domestic missions, not antagonism.
- Provide positive gestures like food to reduce the likelihood of conflicts and encourage soldiers' return home.