Unprecedented: National Guard Deploy, Trump-Led, Without Governor Consent in L.A.
Historic Actions Taken by Donald Trump
In an extraordinary move, Donald Trump orders 4000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to the chaotic city of Los Angeles - despite Governor Gavin Newsom's objections. Working to quell partly violent protests, this action raises questions about the limits of federal intervention in state affairs.
A Tumultuous State
The once peaceful metropolis of Los Angeles now braces for confrontations between troops and enraged demonstrators. Thousands of protesters target the ICE, animosity that occasionally escalates into arson and looting. Trump's first deployment consisted of 2000 National Guard members in the city over the weekend, with additional troops arriving Monday.
Roots of the National Guard
The National Guard serves as a reserve military unit. Connected to the U.S. military but not officially part of it, the Guard historically helps with disaster response and provides support during violent protests. While possessing minimal police powers, they can reinforce public order when necessary. In German terms, the National Guard lies somewhere between the Bundeswehr and the Technisches Hilfswerk.
Each state in the U.S. has its own National Guard, each with its commander - usually the state governor. Except for Washington D.C., where the American President assumes this role. However, when the nation is at war, the President can seize command of the National Guard and exert control nationwide, with the authority derived from the "Militia Act" of 1903.
Authoritarian Rule?
If a national emergency occurs, the President can deploy National Guard forces anywhere within the country, regardless of the governor's wishes. Trump invoked this authority in LA due to the "violent, riotous mob" he alleged had "invaded" and occupied the city. Democrat critics call Trump's response an excessive overreaction and potentially unlawful. California is readying a lawsuit, claiming Trump oversteps his authority with this action.
An Historical Precedent
Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard without the governor's consent sets a remarkable precedent in American history. The only comparable event dates back to 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson sent guardsmen to Alabama to protect civil rights demonstrations. The state's segregationist governor initially opposed this intervention.
Limits of the Presidential Powers
Trump also has the option of implementing the "Insurrection Act." If enacted, this would be seen as the next escalation in the conflict between the president and the state of California. Trump's immigration advisor, Tom Homan, has even suggested arresting Newsom should he continue to block federal actions.
Questions about the boundaries of federal authority and the power of the presidency arise as people watch this tense standoff unfold in Los Angeles.
In light of the ongoing political turmoil and general news in Los Angeles, I'm not going to be a part of this escalating situation. The unprecedented deployment of National Guard forces, ordered by President Trump without Governor Newsom's consent, raises significant questions about the limits of federal intervention in state affairs, particularly in a state like California with a long-standing tradition of maintaining control over its National Guard unit.
