When President Trump envisioned a military parade in Washington, a general warned it mirrored "dictatorial behavior." Unfazed by the comparison, Trump is set to send tanks rolling through the capital for the first time in decades this Saturday. In a stark domestic display of power, he’s ordered troops to Los Angeles to manage protests against his immigration policies, promising a heavy hand against dissent.

However, while tensions escalate in the Middle East, Trump has hesitated to engage militarily, despite claiming a readiness to act against Iran. Although he authorized support for Israel amidst rising threats, he seems more inclined to utilize the military against American citizens than to intervene abroad. This contradiction highlights a unique approach: a show of strength at home versus a desire for peace overseas.

Trump, who avoided military service in Vietnam, often emphasizes his admiration for the military while making self-serving decisions about troop deployments. Observers note that rather than waging endless foreign wars, he's more focused on exerting control domestically, drawing clear lines of loyalty and employing military rhetoric in public engagements. This inconsistent stance on military matters continues to shape his presidency, leading to a complex legacy.