MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace Says Trump’s Use of Military in Second Term Feels ‘Different’

During a Tuesday interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace expressed concern about President Donald Trump’s approach to the military in what would be his second term.

Wallace argued that Trump’s current administration no longer includes “normal Republicans” and highlighted the contrast between Trump’s present advisors and his earlier, more traditional military leadership. “What’s different about Stephen Miller running the ICE raids, essentially laying siege to Los Angeles, is that there is no Mark Esper, no Jim Mattis—and that’s the big difference, and that is the danger,” she said.

When Colbert asked about the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles amid recent riots, Wallace responded, “It feels different. Can we swear here?” After Colbert gave permission, she added, “To f— around with the military like this, it feels really different. He wanted to do it the first time, but people like Mark Milley stopped him. Using the military as pawns so openly, as a public tactic—that feels different to me.”

A battalion of 700 Marines has been sent to Los Angeles to assist with the unrest related to anti-immigration enforcement protests, following the recent deployment of the National Guard to the city.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the president’s actions, telling Fox News Digital, “Violent rioters in Los Angeles, enabled by Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom, have attacked American law enforcement, set cars on fire, and fueled lawless chaos.” She added, “President Trump rightfully stepped in to protect federal law enforcement officers. When Democrat leaders refuse to protect American citizens, President Trump will always step in.”

Colbert also questioned Wallace about the state of the Democratic Party and whether it was at risk of autocracy. Wallace replied, “I don’t know. In politics, you’re always one leader away from a comeback, one moody character away from an unlikely hero. The Democratic Party hasn’t rotted or corrupted itself like the Republican Party has. I think the Democrats are one leader away from becoming fresh and appealing to a majority again. The Republican Party, on the other hand, continues to spiral downward, following Trump and his authoritarian style.”

Earlier this year, Wallace gained attention for her commentary on Trump’s congressional address, in which he honored 13-year-old childhood cancer survivor DJ Daniel as an honorary Secret Service agent. Reflecting on the moment, Wallace said, “It was a lesson in finding one thing you let yourself feel. I let myself feel joy about DJ. I hope he lives a long life—95 more years, if possible—and that he follows his dream of becoming a police officer.”

She added a somber note: “But I hope he never has to defend the U.S. Capitol against Donald Trump’s supporters. If he does, I hope he’s not among the six who lost their lives to suicide, and I hope he doesn’t have to testify against those who carried out seditious conspiracy and later were pardoned by Trump.”