Donald Trump holds an election rally, Sept. 18, 2024, at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Andrea/Zuma Press)
Former President Donald Trump frequently uses the term “the enemy from within” to describe what he presents as a growing threat to the country. This phrase has become a key element of his campaign rhetoric, highlighting his view that adversaries such as political opponents and critics pose a greater danger to the United States than China or Russia. Trump’s comments have drawn sharp criticism for language that opponents call divisive and potentially dangerous.
Trump seems to target several groups as the “enemy from within,” including Democrats, progressive activists and certain figures within the government. During a Fox News interview, he referred to Democrats and others who oppose him as being more dangerous than foreign adversaries.
From Guardian News via YouTube
In a recent interview and subsequent rallies, Trump took this rhetoric a step further by suggesting the possibility of deploying the National Guard or the regular military to deal with “the enemy within." He emphasized that he was less concerned with threats from foreign actors, as much as from “domestic agitators” aligned with his political opponents.
This idea of using military force to maintain order raised alarms, including among former national security officials, who warned that such rhetoric could lead to authoritarian actions or a justification for crackdowns on political dissent.
Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democratic leaders have condemned Trump’s comments as a direct attack on American democracy. Harris called Trump’s remarks “unhinged” and a dangerous move toward authoritarianism. She framed the 2024 election as a choice between preserving democratic values and succumbing to fear and division.
Within the Republican Party, Trump’s statements have elicited mixed reactions. His loyal supporters embrace the rhetoric as a call to restore order. But several traditional conservatives who served in the Trump administration, such as former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, have voiced concerns.
Esper said such language, combined with the suggestion of using military force against political opponents, sets a dangerous precedent and goes against the principle of civilian control of the military.
"I believe Donald Trump is unfit for the presidency, for many reasons including lack of character," Esper said on CNN. "He puts himself before the country and the American people."
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