Friend, I recently sat down for an interview with 9News’ Kyle Clark, where we discussed the Trump administration’s alarming push to federalize National Guard troops, and deploy them domestically in cities across the United States. You can watch our full conversation here.

As the states have argued, President Trump’s federalization and deployment of the National Guard to California, Oregon, and now Illinois — over the objection of their Governors — for domestic law enforcement is blatantly illegal and alarming. And as the states’ lawsuits move through the courts, we’ve even seen judges appointed by President Trump come to that same conclusion: these actions are unjustified and violate our Constitution.

Yet the Trump White House continues to make threats to abuse military personnel for law enforcement purposes. So let me be very clear: As the People’s Lawyer, I will defend Colorado against any unlawful attempt by the President to deploy military troops against our Colorado cities and our people. As your next Governor, I will never shy away from defending your rights and public safety. If that’s the kind of leadership you can support, then I’m asking you to please make a donation to my campaign today →

Deploying the National Guard for domestic law enforcement is illegal. And, it’s dangerous for Coloradans and puts the Guard in harm's way for no reason. Military personnel are not trained to engage in policing or criminal investigations. And it is disrespectful to those in uniform — taking them away from their families, jobs, and lives, and forcing them to act out the President’s political stunts.

Despite these facts, and the federal courts’ rulings, Donald Trump continues to threaten to abuse his power to deploy the military domestically and sow chaos in our cities. 

I won’t stand for it.

I simply refuse to sit back and watch as President Trump threatens the very foundations of our republic. That’s why my office has sued this lawless administration in federal court 37 times and counting. 

To keep our democratic republic, we must defend freedom of speech, the rule of law, and not allow the military to do domestic law enforcement. I will defend these pillars and stand strong against this bullying, lawless administration.

I’m running for Governor because I don’t back down from these kinds of fights. Coloradans deserve someone who is willing to go to bat for them, even if it means taking on the President of the United States. And I’ll need you on board to win this race. If you’re with me, please, pitch in to my campaign today and join this movement to defend our rights and build a better Colorado for all of us →

Thank you,

Phil