Trump is demanding the authority to deploy the army domestically without court intervention
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President Donald Trump spoke to the press while en route to South Korea on Tuesday aboard Air Force One and made comments about his authority to deploy US military forces domestically — something that will likely raise legal and political concerns.
Trump was traveling to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
While speaking to the media, Trump claimed that he could deploy US military forces in American cities if necessary, claiming that “the courts will not interfere.”
When speaking with reporters, he said he would consider using the military outside of the National Guard if the need arises.
US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to South Korea on October 29, 2025 in Japan. (Andrew Harnick/Getty Images)
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“I will do it if necessary,” he said. “It wasn’t necessary. We’re doing great without it.”
Trump also said that as president, he has the power to take such action.
“If I want to enact a specific law, I am allowed to do so routinely,” he said. “I will be allowed to do what I want… You understand that the courts will not interfere. No one will interfere.”
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South Korean officials greet US President Donald Trump upon his arrival at Jeonju Airport on October 29, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
He added: “I can send the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marines. I can send anyone I want, but I didn’t because we are doing a good job.”
Trump emphasized using San Francisco as an example, describing how federal officials were “ready to go last Saturday” to intervene in the city but stopped after local leaders asked for a chance to handle the matter themselves.
“We would have solved this problem in less than a month,” he said, adding that federal intervention “would have been much faster and more effective.”
He also emphasized what he described as progress in other parts of the United States
South Korean officials greet US President Donald Trump upon his arrival at Jeonju Airport on October 29, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
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“Memphis is making tremendous progress,” Trump said. “I think it’s down about 70% or 60-70%. And in two or three weeks, it’ll be down to almost no crime.”
The president is scheduled to meet with Xi on Wednesday to discuss fentanyl smuggling, trade policy and border security.