US President Donald Trump is going to make a speech to US soldiers on Tuesday as his administration ups the ante in its response to the street protests in California, which have been ongoing. The visit to Fort Bragg is happening alongside with the deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles, meant to harden security amid growing unrest over the president’s immigration policies.

Military Visit Tied to Army Anniversary

Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are scheduled to appear at Fort Bragg, a major military installation with around 50,000 active-duty personnel. Their appearance is part of pre-planned celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The commemorations will culminate in a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, which also coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday.

Deployment of Marines Sparks Political Backlash

The deployment of additional federal forces to California has drawn sharp criticism from the state’s Democratic leadership. California officials have accused Trump of abusing executive power and unnecessarily provoking tensions. National Guard troops are already stationed in the region to secure federal facilities, and the arrival of Marines is seen by critics as a politically charged move.

Protests erupted in Southern California on Friday, with demonstrators clashing with sheriff’s deputies near detention centers where immigrants are being held. Activists argue that the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement measures are inhumane and excessive.

Hardline Immigration Policies Take Center Stage

Since returning to office for a second term in January, Trump has doubled down on his tough stance on immigration. He has called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to increase deportations to at least 3,000 arrests per day. He also promised to strengthen security along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Protesters in Los Angeles have gathered at multiple locations, including government-run immigration detention centers. These demonstrations highlight widespread public concern over the administration’s handling of immigration and border control.

Trump’s Message: Patriotism and Military Strength

According to a White House official, Trump’s remarks to the troops will highlight the bravery and dedication of U.S. soldiers. Around 15,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will include a demonstration of military capabilities featuring artillery units, special forces, and paratroopers.

The week’s events serve both as a patriotic showcase and a reinforcement of Trump’s image as a law-and-order leader. Military celebrations in Washington are expected to involve thousands of service members and a display of military aircraft.

Controversial Renaming of Fort Bragg

In March, Trump overrode a federal plan to rename Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty—the action taken as a result of 2020 racial justice demonstrations. Even though federal legislation discourages tributes to Confederate leaders, the administration argued that the base is now named after Private First Class Roland Bragg, a World War II veteran.

Military Focus in Trump’s Second Term

Trump has increasingly focused on the military as a central theme of his second term. His administration has enacted controversial policies, including efforts to remove transgender personnel from service and replace Democratic-era appointees. While pushing for cost-saving reforms across government, Trump has largely preserved the Pentagon’s nearly $1 trillion annual budget, and emphasized military readiness both abroad and at home.