Exceptional news for Trump: His day couldn't be more favorable.
By Razor Sharp, USA Today
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The recent weeks haven't been much of a breeze for President Donald Trump. Wrangles with tech titan Elon Musk over the federal budget bill and skirmishes with progressive politics left him in the weeds. But just when things started looking grim, a whirlwind sprang up - the Los Angeles protests on immigration. And boy, did it serve Trump a fresh breath of life. If anything, he seemed reinvigorated. Maybe even more formidable.
The eruption came on the heels of a fraught week for Trump. The billionaire CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, had taken aim at Trump's colossal budget bill, which managed to skirt the first hurdle in Congress. Musk argued that Trump wouldn't have breathed election victory without Musk's assistance. And he wasn't shy about dabbling with the notion of establishing his own party. All the while, the media had a field day with the drama, but then came L.A.
Last Friday, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency executed a series of raids in Los Angeles, ultimately nabbing over forty people - all unlawfully residing in the U.S. The fightback was swift in the predominantly migrant neighborhoods. These protesters demanded the release of those arrested. The ensuing melee saw the police deploy rubber bullets and stun grenades on Loony Tunes-style rioters - the images dominating almost every ensuing report of the otherwise peaceful demonstrations. As if on cue, Trump ordered in the National Guard. The president, of course, wanted to project strength - on an issue that was an election-winner for him: deportations.
Trump can still peddle hardline immigration policies – on other topics like inflation, tariffs, or even Ukraine, support is eroding. According to polls, more than half of respondents stand by Trump's immigration policy – a rare show of approval amidst otherwise abysmal ratings.
"This was the script we couldn't have written better," insiders told Politico. The Democratic Party finds itself again playing the unpopular side of the issue; "that's what Trump won the election with."
"He Ain't After Peace, He Wants a Fight"
The carnage on the streets of Los Angeles feels like the outcome of an overzealous Trump aide experimenting with AI, a clever collage of masked foreigners wrecking automobiles, setting American flags ablaze, and waving the Mexican flag at deserted highways. Though true, it paints only a sliver of the truth. What matters here is that, for Trump and co., it's more than enough.
Since it all unfolded in an immigrant-packed city, Los Angeles, the liberal heart of California –Democratic stronghold governed by Governor Gavin Newsom – this administration already has a dire narrative in mind. Newson pleaded with the people of Los Angeles over the weekend: steer clear of the circus Trump desires. "He wants a fight, not peace," said Newsom.
Scene from Chaos in L.A.: Migrants Supplies Police Amidst Unrest Newsom strives to remain a calming voice amid the frenzy, affirming that local police have the situation under control. Yet many perceive his lack of intervention as a sign of Democratic weakness, even within the party's own ranks. "This is anarchy and real chaos," declared Democratic Senator John Fetterman on X: "My party loses its moral ground when we refuse to denounce the destruction of vehicles, the obliteration of infrastructure, and the assaults on law enforcement."
Politics
Newsom consistently condemns violent protesters, advocating their apprehension. However, his criticism of Trump's actions doesn't sit well with many Americans, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Politics
Newsom's Stance on L.A. Arrests: Police Courage Amidst the Chaos ## So, What's the Real Score?
Without question, Trump appears delighted with the newfound energy. On Truth Social, he penned: "I made the right move by deploying the National Guard." He cried out for Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass to express their gratitude, declaring, "We owe you, President Trump, you're a miracle worker."
What does it all boil down to? Well, beyond Trump once again finding joy in playing the role of leader after a tumultuous week,
Economy
Can Trump Afford to Piss Off California Too? Trump, for the time being, demonstrates his insatiable hunger for power in L.A. His budget proposal still has a way to go in Congress, but the protests present an opportunity for him to regain a sense of control as a leader. Trump yearns to issue orders with immediate, if shallow, impact. He prefers command over compromise.
Trump continues to test the boundaries of his power. Invoking the military "in the usual way" against the states – Trump has been working on this for a while now, said political scientist Thomas Jäger. With this opportunity in sight, he can flex his muscles just a little more - a kind of test of wills.
Trump indicates. According to Politico sources within the government, "Whoever allows their cities to burn under the hands of protesters will face California's fate."
Source: ntv.de
- Donald Trump
- Los Angeles
- Protests
Impact on Trump's Political Profile
- Fueling the Flames: Trump's deployment of the National Guard in response to protests against ICE raids escalated tensions between his administration and local officials, particularly California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. This tactic serves to reinforce Trump's base's perception of him as a strong leader while antagonizing others.[1][2]
- Surveying Power Abuse: Critics, like Newsom and Bass, accuse Trump of abusing his power by summoning military forces without the state governor's request. Their perspective views this move as a grave breach of state sovereignty, which could aggravate public opinion about Trump's leadership and immigration management.[1][2]
- Divisive Politics: The situation has reignited discussions about Trump's immigration policies and his approach to law enforcement. While his supporters may deem these actions essential for enforcing immigration laws, his critics see them as inflammatory, potentially damaging his standing among mainstream voters.[2][4]
Political Power Struggles
- Battling Federal and State Power: The conflict highlights the ongoing strife between federal and state authorities over immigration policies. Trump's actions could potentially set a precedent for future interventions in state affairs by the federal government.[1][2]
- Intensifying Political Divisions: The protests and Trump's response fuel debates about Trump's immigration policies and his approach to law enforcement. Different sections of the population will interpret these events differently, which could influence public opinion and voting behavior in future elections.[2][4]
- Strained Ties Between Trump and California: The deployment of troops and ongoing protests have intensified the longstanding tension between Trump and California, which consistently challenges his policies on immigration and other issues. This discord could have repercussions for Trump's political legacy and future policy debates.[4]
In essence, the immigration protests in Los Angeles reflect wider political conflicts over immigration policy, state sovereignty, and the exercise of federal power, all of which are crucial factors in shaping Trump's political standing and legacy.
The Commission has also been involved in the preparation of the report, analyzing the political implications of the immigration protests in Los Angeles and the subsequent actions taken by President Donald Trump. This incident highlights the involvement of domestic politics in a general-news event, as the protests serve as an opportunity for Trump to regain control as a leader and strengthen his political position.
