WATERBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont Governor Phil Scott on Thursday called President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to American cities “unconstitutional.”
Citing a need to combat crime, President Trump this week attempted to send National Guard troops to Chicago and Portland, Oregon.
Governor Scott says the military should not be used against its own people unless there’s an insurrection, and that it’s up to governors to decide when to activate the Guard.
“I think it’s unnecessary, and it further divides and threatens people. We need stability right now in this country; we don’t need more unrest,” Scott said.
The Republican governor previously declined a request from the Trump administration to send Vermont National Guard troops to Washington D.C., and to assist ICE with enforcement efforts here.
