All pb
Donald Trump's administration used the term
"irregular warfare,"
notably in the 2017 National Security Strategy to emphasize combating terrorist networks and in 2025 when invoking laws against gangs, framing them as engaging in "irregular warfare" against the U.S., highlighting its focus on unconventional threats and strategies beyond traditional conflict, as seen in policies addressing terrorism and border security.
Key Instances and Contexts
2017 National Security Strategy: The Trump administration's strategy called for retaining capabilities in irregular warfare to counter terrorist networks and other non-state actors, acknowledging these as long-term threats.
Focus on Non-State Actors: His administration frequently encountered challenges in applying traditional military force to irregular threats like terrorist groups (e.g., Houthis in Yemen) and drug cartels, underscoring the relevance of irregular warfare concepts.
2020 Irregular Warfare Annex: The Department of Defense released an annex emphasizing irregular warfare as a core competency, a document aligning with the administration's focus on persistent, unconventional conflict.
2025 Actions on Gangs: In March 2025, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act against the Tren de Aragua gang, declaring them engaged in "irregular warfare" and "hostile actions" against the U.S., framing immigration challenges in security terms.
What it Means
Definition: Irregular warfare (IW) involves violent struggles, often indirect and asymmetric, between state and non-state actors for legitimacy and influence.
Trump's Usage: Trump's use of the term signals a strategic focus on combating threats that don't fit traditional warfare models, including terrorism, cyber threats, and transnational criminal organizations, viewing them as part of a broader irregular conflict.
Donald Trump used the term "irregular warfare" on March 15, 2025, when his administration issued a presidential proclamation to target members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
The White House statement alleged that members of the gang "have unlawfully infiltrated the United States and are conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States".
By using this language and invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, the Trump administration sought to rapidly deport alleged gang members using wartime authorities, bypassing standard immigration proceedings which require proof of gang membership in court. This move has faced legal challenges from civil liberties groups.
—-
Also
Irregular warfare
https://youtu.be/L4kj9d8G6yo
Trump Signals Greater Use of Military in U.S. Cities, Warning of ‘War From Within’
50,921 views · 3 months ago