Taking on Los Angeles: Trump's Unprecedented Move with National Guard
Historic Trump tactic sets new precedent
Update your social media feeds: Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Copy Link The volatile protests in Los Angeles have prompted President Donald Trump to take unconventional action. He's disregarding Governor Gavin Newsom's wishes by sending 4000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to the West Coast metropolis, making this one of the most dramatic actions in American history.
Los Angeles is currently a hotbed of tension, with the National Guard facing off against angry protesters and looters. Their anger is primarily focused on the actions of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some are going too far, committing acts like setting cars on fire or looting stores. Trump initially mobilized 2000 members of the California National Guard over the weekend, sending another 2000 to LA on Monday.
Brush up on your politics: What is the role of the US National Guard and its powers? In essence, the National Guard is a military reserve unit with roots dating back to the colonial era. It's a unique entity, closely connected to the US military, but not part of the regular forces. The National Guard usually assists during natural disasters and calmly handles violent protests, although without the powers of police and regular military. In the German context, it's somewhat similar to the Bundeswehr but with less authority.
The National Guard: Federal or State Control?
Each US state has its own National Guard, with Texas, Delaware, Washington D.C., and American territories like Puerto Rico and Guam all having the reserve unit. There's no central, overarching federal unit. Currently, there are about 430,000 members in the National Guard across all states (as of 2023), making it smaller than the regular US Army.
The governor of the respective state commands the National Guard. However, in Washington, D.C., the American President holds the final say in federal matters. In times of war, the President can seize command authority over the National Guard and have control nationwide. They can then send troops abroad to support the regular military. The "Militia Act" of 1903 laid the legal foundation for this.
A Tool for Authoritarian Rule?
If there's a national emergency, the President can deploy the National Guard within the country, even against the governor's will. Trump invoked this power in Los Angeles, arguing that a "violent, riotous mob" had taken over the city. The Democrats believe this response is excessive, as they see the partly violent demonstrations in Los Angeles as a police matter, not a national emergency. California is considering filing a lawsuit, stating that Trump is overstepping his authority and violating the U.S. Constitution.
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Show of Force: A Historical Perspective
Donald Trump's decision to send troops to Los Angeles without the governor's consent is uncommon in U.S. history. A similar situation occurred in 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson federalized the Alabama National Guard to protect civil rights activists during the Selma to Montgomery voting rights march. Alabama's governor, George Wallace, had refused to order his state's Guard to protect nonviolent demonstrators. Johnson's action was against a state refusing to enforce federal laws and protect civil rights activists.
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- In light of the political turmoil in Los Angeles, I'm not going to be a part of this, as I believe the current situation should be tackled by local authorities rather than involving the National Guard.
- Despite the President's decision to mobilize the National Guard in Los Angeles, one cannot help but question the constitutionality of such a move, especially given the ongoing debate about whether it serves as a tool for authoritarian rule in the guise of national emergencies.
