A Historical Showdown: Trump vs. Governors and the National Guard
Historic move made by Donald Trump
Trump's latest move has lit a fuse, sending shockwaves across the nation. He's taken an unprecedented step by dispatching over 4000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to L.A., ignoring the wishes of the state's governor. This bold action has set a new benchmark in American history, reminiscent of the 1960s and its civil rights struggles.
Los Angeles is reeling from angry protests against ICE, with protesters directing their anger towards cars being set on fire and stores being looted. In response, Trump has mobilized forces, starting with 2000 guardsmen over the weekend and another 2000 on Monday.
But what exactly is the National Guard? Picture a military reserve unit with roots tracing back to colonial days. It's closely linked to the U.S. military, but not officially part of the regular forces. Typically, the National Guard helps with disaster relief, like storms or wildfires. They may also quell violent protests, though they lack police powers for the most part. In the German hierarchy, imagine the National Guard falling between the Bundeswehr and the THW.
The National Guard operates under the control of the respective state governor, except in cases of war. In Washington D.C., however, the U.S. President holds final say. But there are exceptions when the President can seize command authority over the National Guard, nationwide, during times of war, and deploy units to any state and abroad to support the regular military. This power is rooted in the "Militia Act" of 1903.
Trump's actions have sparked a heated debate about his motives and the limits of his power. The Democrats argue that this is an overreaction, with Governor Gavin Newsom and his supporters believing that the demonstrations in L.A. are a matter for the police, not a national emergency. They plan to file a lawsuit, claiming Trump is overstepping his authority and violating the U.S. Constitution.
Some political analysts see this as a move towards authoritarianism by Trump. One political scientist, Thomas Hunter, notes that Trump seeks to use the military in the United States as another tool in his arsenal for rule. He argues that Trump has been planning this move for a long time and that his supporters are now helping him achieve it.
It's important to remember that Trump's actions have set a new standard for U.S. politics, raising serious questions about the executive branch's power and oversight. This is a complex web of political intrigue, constitutional challenge, and military power, all playing out in the heart of one of America's most iconic cities.
Historical Precedents
- President Lyndon Johnson (1965): Johnson took control of the Alabama National Guard to protect civil rights marchers during the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, after the governor refused to act.
- President Donald Trump (2025): Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, marking the first such presidential action since 1965, citing provisions for suppressing “the danger of a rebellion” and potential invocation of the Insurrection Act.
I'm not going to be a part of this political power struggle, at least not intentionally. The actions of President Donald Trump in deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, reminiscent of President Lyndon Johnson's actions during the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, raise questions about the executive branch's power and the limits of their authority, especially in relation to general news events such as these.
