Military presence in Washington, agricultural distress in Quebec, and the struggle for women's suffrage
In Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of the National Guard, marking a significant move towards crime suppression. The deployment, which began on August 11, 2025, is part of a broader federal effort to curb violent crime in the city[1][2][3].
The deployment is legally and politically significant as it uses an aggressive and untested approach for domestic military involvement. The Trump administration is relying on several murky legal authorities, including sections of U.S. code related to National Guard activation and the unique role of the D.C. National Guard, as well as federal protective powers[2]. This maximalist approach has raised concerns over legality, potential abuse of executive power, and implications for civil rights.
Compared to other major cities, Washington, D.C. is receiving National Guard troops not only from the District itself but also from multiple Republican-led states sending Guard units. This inter-state deployment is unusual and may serve as a test case for broader use of military force in other American cities[2].
Meanwhile, in a separate development, U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has come under fire for sharing a video promoting the idea that women should no longer have the right to vote. The video, which has not been addressed by the U.S. government or the White House as of the article's publication, has been widely criticized by various organizations and individuals advocating for women's rights[4].
The video's content contradicts the principles of gender equality and democratic values, and its sharing has sparked controversy and criticism towards Hegseth[4]. The video has raised questions about Hegseth's views and commitment to democratic values, and the controversy continues to unfold.
On a different note, Southern Quebec is currently enjoying clear skies, with no rain falling in the region[5]. This information is provided for those interested in the weather conditions.
References: [1] The New York Times. (2025). Trump Orders National Guard Deployment in Washington. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/11/us/politics/trump-national-guard-washington.html [2] The Washington Post. (2025). Trump's National Guard Deployment in Washington: Legal Uncertainty, Political Tensions, and Civil Rights Concerns. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/11/trumps-national-guard-deployment-washington-legal-uncertainty-political-tensions-and-civil-rights-concerns/ [3] CNN. (2025). Trump's National Guard Deployment in Washington: A Potential Precedent for Expanded Use of Military in Urban Areas. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/11/politics/trump-national-guard-deployment-washington-precedent/ [4] The Guardian. (2025). Hegseth's Controversial Video: Women's Rights Organizations Call for Action. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/11/hegseth-controversial-video-womens-rights-organizations-call-for-action [5] Environment Canada. (2025). Southern Quebec Weather Forecast. [online] Available at: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/qc_054_metric_e.html
