Unprecedented Action: Trump's Controversial Move in LA
California power tussle: What powers does Trump hold? - Contest for authority in California: Defining Trump's control
For the first time in decades, a U.S. president has taken the extraordinary step of deploying military forces in a state without the governor's consent. In the case of Los Angeles, President Trump has found himself embroiled in a power struggle over ongoing protests against his immigration policy.
Trump has seized control of the National Guard in California under Title 10 of the United States Code, a move that is ruffling feathers and leaving many wondering about the legal foundations and potential repercussions.
Behind Trump's Justification
Trump argues that the protests against the officers of the immigration agency constitute a rebellion against the federal government, allowing him to invoke Title 10's provision for taking command when faced with a "rebellion or danger of rebellion against the authority of the government of the United States."
This is highly unusual, as it's the first time since 1965 that a president has done so without a governor's consent. Past presidents, such as Lyndon B. Johnson, have only exercised this power during emergencies, such as the civil rights movement in Alabama.
The Roles of the National Guard and Military
In addition to the National Guard, Trump has sent 700 Marine Corps personnel to Los Angeles. Unlike the National Guard, the regular military is always under the control of the federal government and is primarily responsible for warfare and national security.
It's unclear on what legal grounds the U.S. government is basing this step. Experts suggest that the task of the Marine Corps is to support the National Guard in protecting federal employees and property — but the National Guard's powers are currently limited.
What's Next: The 'Insurrection Act'
To grant the National Guard and possibly the Marine Corps broader powers, Trump would need to declare a kind of martial law and invoke the "Insurrection Act," a law dating back to 1807 that allows the president to deploy military domestically and participate in law enforcement to restore public order, which is not typically permitted in the U.S.
If Trump chooses to invoke the Insurrection Act, the military could potentially be deployed for law enforcement in California, leading to widespread protests, legal battles, and the further polarization of the political and social landscape.
Historical Context and Implications
The Insurrection Act has historical precedents, having been invoked in the past to quell civil unrest, such as during the Civil Rights Movement and the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
In California, any deployment under the Insurrection Act would need to be justified by a clear threat to federal authority or laws. With protests increasing in intensity and Trump's rhetoric escalating, the stage is set for a potentially volatile standoff.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a policy and legislation directive on protecting workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the potential implications of war-and-conflicts and political unrest, as seen in the ongoing power struggle over the general news of Trump's controversial move in LA.
This unprecedented action by Trump, involving the deployment of military forces without a governor's consent, has sparked questions about the legal foundations and potential repercussions, with experts suggesting that invoking the Insurrection Act could further polarize the political and social landscape.
