Trump Officials Move to Military Bases for Safety

Political polarization in the US has reached a new level: high-ranking officials from the Trump administration have begun to leave their private homes, seeking refuge in housing intended for military personnel due to security concerns. This trend, which some describe as a "bunker mentality," deepens the gap between the political elite and society.

One of the key figures who has taken this step is White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. He and his family, who lived in Arlington, Virginia, faced weeks of protests from local activists against Miller's hardline immigration policies. Protesters left chalk writings near his house, posters calling him a "criminal," and directly confronted him. After the incidents, which Miller called "organized campaigns of dehumanization and degradation," his family decided to sell their $3.75 million home and move to a military residence in the Washington area.

Miller is not alone. He has been joined by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. They have settled in places like Fort McNair's "Generals Row," where top military officers traditionally live. Although the officials pay rent at market rates, this move creates tension amid a shortage of housing for high-ranking military personnel.

This phenomenon points not only to personal security concerns but also to a deeper problem: Trump administration officials, who often criticize the capital as a "crime-ridden hellhole," now find themselves in a protected bubble, further distancing themselves from the city's daily rhythm and diverse population. This further exacerbates the already tense relationship between civilian authority and the military, creating a situation where state figures turn to the army for protection not from external, but from internal threats.