Donald Trump may have delivered a stern speech on military strength and immigration protests, but it was his signature dance moves that brought the loudest cheers from troops at Fort Bragg on Tuesday.The POTUS had travelled to the North Carolina base to mark the upcoming celebration of the US Army’s birthday. But while the event was officially about honouring America’s armed forces, Trump used the opportunity to revisit one of his favourite themes: what he calls “American carnage”.As he left the stage, the Village People’s YMCA blasted through the speakers. Trump responded with his well-known arm-swinging dance, drawing loud applause and laughter from the uniformed soldiers in attendance.Trump on deployment of National Guard in Los Angeles“I want to say a few words about the situation in Los Angeles, California,” Trump said earlier, referring to the deployment of over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to confront protesters following federal immigration raids. “The police in LA, who are very good, but they weren’t aggressive, like our soldiers. Our soldiers really were aggressive.”Trump also launched attacks on political opponents, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, accusing them of failing to control unrest.“They’re incompetent, and they paid troublemakers, agitators and insurrectionists,” Trump claimed. “They’re engaged in this wilful attempt to nullify federal law and aid the occupation of the city by criminal invaders,” he added.He also took a swipe at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, calling back to 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd. “I called the guard and I saved it, but I wish I would have called it the first day,” Trump said, despite records showing it was Walz who activated the Guard.Trump praised the military’s expanded domestic role under his leadership, saying, “Not only are these service members defending the honour of citizens of California, they’re also defending our republic itself.”Democrats, including Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi, condemned the troop deployment in Los Angeles, calling it unconstitutional and criticising the federal government for taking action without the state’s approval.Meanwhile, the MAGA chief hinted that more deployments could come. “I will be calling you early, as I see this happening,” he told the troops in Fort Bragg.
