President Donald Trump has suggested that America’s “dangerous cities” should be used as “training grounds” for the military and National Guard—starting with Chicago.

Let that sink in.

These are not war zones.

These are communities. And the people who live in them are not enemy combatants. But Trump’s remarks to top military officials this week send a chilling message: that our neighborhoods, our streets, and our families are fair game for the military to practice “urban conflict.”

This is not a joke. It is not policy-as-usual. It is a dangerous escalation of militarized policing and authoritarian rhetoric, especially when directed at cities that are home to Black, Latino, and low-income residents.

Trump also endorsed violence against civilians during his speech—saying troops should be allowed to “hit” people who spit on them and that officers should “do whatever the hell you want” when attacked. That is not leadership. That is a green light for unrestrained force and an attack on the very idea of civil rights.

We demand:

• That Congress immediately denounce and investigate Trump’s proposal to use American cities for military training
• That governors and mayors reject the use of their cities for such operations and affirm the rights of their residents
• That military leaders reaffirm their commitment to the Posse Comitatus Act and the lawful limits on military action inside U.S. borders

Our cities are not playgrounds for power. The military is not a domestic police force. And no president should ever suggest that violence against civilians is acceptable under any circumstances.

We must speak out before this vision becomes our new normal.

Photo: AP