Trump Stands Firm on National Guard Deployment in LA
President Donald Trump has strongly defended his decision to send the National Guard to Los Angeles following recent unrest. On Monday, he asserted that this action prevented the city from being "completely obliterated" amid escalating protests and violence.
Addressing the Unrest: Trump’s Perspective
Taking to his social media platform, Trump remarked, "We made a great decision in sending the National Guard to deal with the violent, instigated riots in California." He added, "If we had not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated." The president criticized local leadership, specifically Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, for downplaying the severity of the situation.
According to Trump, both officials should be thanking him for his intervention rather than labeling the protests as peaceful. He emphasized, "We will always do what is needed to keep our Citizens SAFE, so we can, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
Clash Between State and Federal Authorities
Trump unilaterally ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops, overriding objections from Governor Newsom. These troops were sent in response to pro-immigration protests that had turned disruptive, including blocking freeways and clashes with law enforcement.
Calls for Arrests and Rising Tensions
The administration’s border official threatened legal action against those obstructing immigration enforcement efforts, including Newsom and Mayor Bass. Newsom responded defiantly, challenging authorities to proceed with any arrests.
When pressed about potentially arresting Newsom, Trump confirmed his support for such measures, underscoring the administration's uncompromising stance on immigration enforcement in California.
Legal Battle Looms as Newsom Plans Lawsuit
In response to the federal intervention, Governor Newsom announced plans to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration, calling the National Guard deployment without his consent both illegal and immoral. He condemned the federal takeover of state security forces as an overreach.
Scenes from the Ground: LA’s Reaction to the Deployment
Following days of intense protests, parts of downtown Los Angeles experienced significant property damage. Demonstrators set vehicles ablaze, blocked highways, and clashed forcefully with police, who employed tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades to restore order.
- Protesters targeted federal facilities, including detention centers.
- Police reported being overwhelmed by a small group of agitators who persisted after curfew orders.
- Several arrests were made, including for violent acts such as torching police lines and vehicular assaults.
Despite the heavy law enforcement presence, tensions remained high with some officers taking cover amid escalating confrontations.
Trump Pins Blame on "Insurrectionists"
At the White House, President Trump accused the unrest of being driven by "professional agitators and insurrectionists," insisting these individuals belonged behind bars. However, he did not provide evidence to back these claims.
When asked about invoking the Insurrection Act, which would give the military authority to act as a domestic police force, Trump declined to comment directly.
Sharp Criticism of Governor Newsom
Trump seized the moment to lambast Governor Newsom’s handling of the situation, describing him as "grossly incompetent" despite acknowledging him as a "nice guy." Newsom has emerged as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, adding a political dimension to the dispute.
Looking Ahead
As Los Angeles begins the cleanup and recovery process, the clash between federal and state officials remains unresolved. The ongoing protests and the federal response highlight deep divisions over immigration policy and law enforcement approaches in the state.
