Trump orders military to take control of federal land at southern border

Fox News - Apr 12th, 2025
Open on Fox News

Attorney General Pam Bondi discussed the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on 'Fox & Friends' and the federal administration's decision to withdraw over $1.5 million in funding from Maine's Department of Corrections. Concurrently, President Donald Trump issued a memorandum titled 'Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions,' which directs the U.S. military to assume control of a strip of federal land across California, New Mexico, and Arizona. The memorandum emphasizes the need for military involvement in securing the southern border, citing threats and complexities that necessitate this action. It allows for border-barrier construction and the placement of detection equipment along the Roosevelt Reservation, designated as a military installation.

The decision reflects Trump's campaign promise to secure the border and tackle illegal immigration. The Roosevelt Reservation, established in 1907 by Theodore Roosevelt, is now designated as a 'National Defense Area' where military activities will take place. This move has significant implications for U.S. immigration policy and border security, as it represents a shift towards militarization in response to perceived threats at the southern border. The deployment of military resources, including a Navy warship and Marine troops, underscores the administration's firm stance on border protection, potentially impacting U.S.-Mexico relations and domestic policy debates on immigration.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a clear and timely account of a significant policy decision by the Trump administration to use military resources for border security. It accurately describes the memorandum and its intended actions but lacks depth in exploring the legal and societal implications. The article's focus on the administration's perspective results in an imbalanced presentation, with limited input from other stakeholders or experts. While the topic is of significant public interest and has the potential to influence opinion, the article's impact is constrained by the absence of diverse viewpoints and detailed analysis. Overall, the article is informative and accessible but could be strengthened by incorporating additional context and perspectives.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents a factual account of President Trump's memorandum ordering the military to take control of federal land along the southern border. The description of the memorandum, its purpose, and the land involved are accurate. However, the article lacks specific details about the legal implications of this action, such as its compliance with the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement. The story accurately identifies the Roosevelt Reservation as the area in question, but it does not delve into how this move might affect border crossings or the potential use of the Insurrection Act. These gaps suggest a need for further verification and context.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the actions and statements of President Trump, lacking a comprehensive range of perspectives. While it provides a clear account of the administration's viewpoint, it omits responses from other stakeholders, such as legal experts, border communities, or opposition parties. This could lead to an imbalanced view of the situation, as the potential consequences and criticisms of the memorandum are not explored. Including diverse perspectives would enhance the article's balance and provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the main points. The language is accessible, and the tone is neutral, which aids comprehension. The repetition of certain phrases, such as the memorandum's title and the description of the Roosevelt Reservation, reinforces key details. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of complex legal or military terms to enhance reader understanding. Overall, the clarity of the article is strong, but it could be improved with additional context.

5
Source quality

The article references statements and actions from President Trump, a primary source. However, it does not cite any external sources or experts to corroborate the claims or provide additional insights. The lack of attribution to independent sources or authorities on military or legal matters weakens the article's reliability. Including expert opinions or third-party analyses would bolster the credibility of the reporting and provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the implications of the president's memorandum.

6
Transparency

The article clearly states the main facts and the president's intentions, but it lacks transparency in terms of explaining the broader context or potential legal challenges. There is no discussion of the methodology behind the decision or any potential conflicts of interest. The article would benefit from disclosing more about the potential impacts on border security, legal implications, and how the decision aligns with existing laws and policies. Greater transparency would help readers understand the basis for the claims and the broader implications of the actions described.

Sources

  1. https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2025/04/trump-oks-military-occupy-federal-land-along-southern-border/404527/
  2. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-authorizes-military-control-souther-border/
  3. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/trump-mexico-border-military-migrants-b2732152.html
  4. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/trump-authorizes-military-to-seize-control-of-federal-land-at-southern-border/3536276
  5. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/11/trump-grants-military-control-over-strip-of-federal-land-along-us-southern-border-00287606