The Showdown in LA: Trump Boosts Security with National Guard Deployment Amid Protests
Historic Action Taken by Donald Trump
Thousands of furious protesters in the heart of Los Angeles are clashing with National Guard members drafted in by President Trump to quell the unrest. The controversial move, disapproved by Governor Gavin Newsom, has set an amazing precedent in American history.
Los Angeles, once a symbol of prosperity, is now a battlefield. Protesters are venting their anger against the actions of ICE, with some resorting to arson and looting. In response, Trump was quick to mobilize, ordering 4000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to the West Coast city.
National Guard: America's Quiet Force Unleashed
At their core, National Guard members make up a military reserve unit, with roots dating back to the colonial era. Although closely connected to the US military, they are not officially part of the regular forces. Primarily, they assist in disaster relief, but they're also used to restore order in turbulent situations, though their powers fall short of those of law enforcement agencies and the regular military. In comparison, one might place the National Guard somewhere between the Bundeswehr and the Technisches Hilfswerk in the German context.
Each US state boasts its own National Guard, with Texas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and some other American territories included. Nevertheless, there isn't a single, nationwide entity. The total number of members hovers around 430,000 in the entire country, while the regular US Army, including its reserves, swells to over five times that amount.
When it comes to commanding the National Guard, governors of respective states hold the reins. A major exception to this rule exists when the US is engaged in a war. In such situations, the president seizes control and can dictate National Guard operations across the nation, allowing them to be deployed abroad as needed. The "Militia Act" of 1903 provided the legal framework for this federal authority.
A Controversial Power Play
If a national emergency breaks out, the president may station National Guard troops domestically, even against the governor's will. Trump's unexpected move in Los Angeles presents this exact scenario. The president maintains that the city has been engulfed by a "violent, riotous mob" invading the city and that this justifies the drastic action.
The Democrats see this as an overreaction. Governor Gavin Newsom and his supporters believe that partially violent demonstrations in Los Angeles constitute a law enforcement matter rather than a national emergency. In response, California is mulling over suing Trump, accusing him of overreaching his powers and breaching the U.S. Constitution.
Dangerous Ground or Show of Force?
Dissecting Trump's motives, political scientist Thomas Hunter believes that the president is intentionally seizing this opportunity to establish a new precedent for the military's involvement in U.S. affairs. Hunter suggests that Trump has been hoping for such a chance to employ the military on American soil and demonstrate his authority.
The deployment of guardsmen in California is not an accident, according to political analysts. With Governor Newsom musing about a 2028 presidential run, deploying troops to his homebase creates an unfavorable spotlight for him. If protests in Los Angeles subside, Trump is prepared to claim credit, stating that the deployment was necessary to quell the unrest. Conversely, if protests escalate further, Trump will have a pretext to escalate his involvement and flex his muscles.
Forging New Ground
Trump's recent decision to dispatch National Guard troops to Los Angeles without Governor Gavin Newsom's approval marks a pioneering step in American history. Historically, such instances are rare, but one memorable example dates back to 1965 where President Lyndon B. Johnson federalized the Alabama National Guard to protect civil rights marchers from Selma to Montgomery. Earlier, presidents hoped to deploy the National Guard but hesitated due to legal and constitutional concerns. The ongoing debate between Trump and the California State government serves as an intellectual tug-of-war on the legality and extent of presidential powers.
Sources:- ntv.de- The New York Times- The Washington Post- Politico
Keywords:- Donald Trump- Los Angeles- National Guard- California- Demonstrations- Protests- ICE- Civil Rights- Presidential Powers- Legal Challenges- US Military- Political Maneuvers- Violence- Riots- Historical Precedents- Police Matters- Executive Power- National Emergency
In the amidst of the protests in Los Angeles, I'm not going to be a part of this political maneuvering over the deployment of National Guard troops, as it seems to blur the lines between law enforcement matters and a national emergency. The historical precedent set by President Trump, with the deployment without Governor Gavin Newsom's approval, is questionable and raises concerns about the extent of presidential powers.
